A Mission From God

Let’s talk about shoes.

Two By Two

Mark 6:7 NLT

7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.

Mutual support, corroboration of the message, encouragement.

John 17:18 NLT

18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

Were they ready? No.

You’ve Got the Power

Mark 6:7 NLT

7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.

Authority of God to cast out demons. Not exorcize.

Pack Light

Mark 6:8–9 NLT

8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. 9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

parallel to the Exodus.

Exodus 12:11 NLT

11 “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover.

Learn to “travel light” in this world.

Delete the distractions.

Trust that you’ll have everything you need.

What’s weighing down our hearts and motivations to go out?

Target Audience

Mark 6:10–11 NLT

10 “Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. 11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

No limits, no boundaries on their mission.

You have some flexibility.

Be credible in your behavior.

Recognize that not everyone is going to be receptive.

Choose to move on. Don’t get bogged down. Give someone else an opportunity to reach them.

Success Belongs to the Lord

Mark 6:12–13 NLT

12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. 13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.

Repent - choose a different direction back toward God.

Cast out demons - Help people, bless them.

Anoint with oil - Give them God’s blessing.

Isaiah 52:7 NLT

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!

What do your shoes say about you?