“Sent Out By Pairs”

Opening Prayer (Petition/Intercession)

The man who is in the direct line from the Apostles is the man who preaches the doctrine of the Apostles, the man who has the spirit of the Apostles in him. God’s Sovereign Purpose, 324

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

The LORD is following the Law to enlighten humanity with the covenant of Grace.We see this in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 19:15 LSB

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

KEY Question: Do I follow the pattern laid out for me as a herald of God’s truth?

Jesus Empowers the Apostles for Gospel Purpose. (v.7)

The first word that must gain our attention is “Summon.” Jesus calls his disciples as a King calling his court. The Disciples gain their name “Apostles” in this event.

The second phrase that we must pay attention to is “send them out.” The Disciples are now going to the different regions of Judea to proclaim a message of repentance.

Lastly, the Disciples are empowered as emissaries of God’s Kingdom come to earth. God displays the wisdom of being in community and a faith family.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 LSB

9 Two are better than one because they have good wages for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not a second one to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can stand against him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

The Apostles are a Living Display of God’s Faithfulness. (v. 8-11)

1.  John Mark, recounting the events from Peter’s perspective and speaking to a Gentile audience, depicts the presence of God’s provision for His people.

2.  The Disciples, now identified as Apostles (or Sent Ones), are to display humility in their approach. They are to trust God and the generosity of those who welcome them in. They are to be impartial with the Gospel.

3.  God is communicating the urgency of the mission as well as his promise to deliver for His people as a faithful God.

Exodus 12:11 LSB

11 ‘Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste—it is the Passover of Yahweh.

The Apostolic Ministry Lays the Foundation for the Church Age. (v.12-13)

1.  Notice the message that the Holy Spirit inspires John Mark to record for posterity—“that men should repent.” The message of the Messiah is to call people from every nation and tongue to the confession that Jesus Christ is the Perfect King, Prophet, and Priest for His people.

2.  The new proclamation of the Gospel is validated in the God-works of the Apostles by the power of the holy Spirit.

3.  Here, the Gospel is shown to be a multi-layer means to wholeness. It is Mental, Spiritual, and Physical. Hence, the description of how God validated the message through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Psalm 45:7 LSB

7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your companions.

KEY Question: Do I follow the pattern laid out for me as a herald of God’s truth?

Our Message and Mission are Crystalized.

The Gospel of Mark describes for us how Jesus prepared the Disciples to go as Apostles in the post-resurrection church.

2.  The Church today must learn what Jesus Christ taught his first followers/servants.

3.  The message and the mission have not changed because the world has become more modern, technologically, and information-dependent. The God who is unchanging has given us an unchanging message and mission.

Acts 1:8 LSB

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the end of the earth.”

The Message is Clear: Go. Proclaim. Let God Lead.

Go: We are not called to be insular; we are Salt and Light.

Proclaim: Our message is one of divine and powerful consequence; not one of human origin and meager impact.

Let God Lead: The Church is the LORD’s and we are stewards of the grace God has given to His bride.