Mark 6:7-13

Jesus Summoned, Sent and Supplied the Disciples

Jesus Summoned the Disciples

Jesus called all the disciples together for a meeting so they would all be on the same page. They were moving from observers of Jesus work to doers of Jesus work. He wanted them to know the importance of the work they were doing and how to do it. Jesus summoned them together.

Jesus gave them very specific instructions on what to do. He told them what to take with them, where to stay, what to preach and what to do if a town rejected them.

Jesus has summoned us as a church and given us very specific instructions. Matt. 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19–20 (NASB95)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus has commanded us to go make disciples. This is done by baptizing people. We only baptize people when they come to faith in Jesus Christ. This means that we must evangelize or share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus also tells us to teach them to observe Jesus commandments. We do this by teaching and living God’s word.

Jesus sent the disciples

Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs. He did this for several reasons. Eccl. 4:9-12 First for their own protection. It is always better to travel with someone else rather than alone. If a person gets in a bind or has an accident they have someone that can help them if they have someone with them. Second, the law required two witness in the event of a legal matter

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 NASB95

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

First for their production. You can get more done with two than with one. Second for their own protection. It is always better to travel with someone else rather than alone. If a person gets in a bind or has an accident they have someone that can help them if they have someone with them. Third, the law required two witness in the event of a legal matter. Deut. 19:15

Deuteronomy 19:15 NASB95

“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.

Jesus sends us out to do his work through the commission of the church. When we go out for ministry we do not do it alone. We do it with the backing of the church. Also, practically speaking it makes sense for two people to minister together than just one.

Jesus Supplied them with what they needed to do the work.

He gave them power and authority but also wisdom and provision. Jesus gave the disciples power to cast out demons and heal the sick. He gave them authority to preach a message of repentance. Jesus also supplied for all their needs on their journey. This is why he told them in Mark 6:8

Mark 6:8 NASB95

and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt—

Jesus wanted the disciples to be totally dependent on the Lord to provide for them on their journey

Jesus supplies us with what we need to accomplish His mission. James 1:5

James 1:5 NASB95

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

God gives us wisdom on what and how to do what He calls.

Matthew 7:7–8 NASB95

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

The Lord provides what we need when we ask in prayer.

Matthew 11:28 NASB95

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

God gives us the rest we need from our work to do His work.

The Disciples Went, Preached, Cast Out and Healed

After Jesus summoned, sent and supplied the disciples the went, preached, and cast out demons and healed the sick.

The disciples went out

Notice the disciples didn’t question Jesus or give excuses as to why they couldn’t do what He commanded. They went out from Him. This is important because they had been accustomed to having Jesus with them and observing Him do the things that He was now asking them to do.

This is the model that Jesus used.

I do, You watch

I do, you help

You do, I help

You do, I watch

We too must engage in our calling and purpose. We cannot just sit on the sideline and be dormant. We must go and take action on what the Lord calls us to do.

The Disciples Preached

The Disciples went out and preached the message that they had heard Jesus preach. Mark 1:15

Mark 1:15 NASB95

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

This is the message Jesus preached. The disciples preached that message when they went out. We too are to preach the same message!

The Disciples Cast Out Demons and Healed the Sick

They had seen Jesus do this several times. They went out and did what they saw Jesus do. I imagine it took a tremendous amount of faith to cast out demons and heal the sick. Can you imagine the first time they did it. They were probably thinking, “ I Hope this works!” It required faith. However the more they did it the easier it got.

God calls us into activities that require faith. We too will wonder if it is possible. When we exercise faith and see Jesus work through us our faith grows stronger. The next time it will be easier