The Mission of the Twelve: 6:7–13

The Mission of the Twelve: Mark 6:7–13 (New International Version)

Verse 7: "Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits."

Explanation: In this passage, Jesus gathers His Twelve disciples and commissions them to go out and minister to others. He sends them out in pairs and grants them authority over impure spirits, empowering them to carry out their mission with divine support.

Verse 8–9: "These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.'"

Explanation: Jesus gives the disciples specific instructions for their mission. They are to travel lightly, relying on the hospitality of others and the divine provision for their needs. This approach emphasises their dependence on God's grace and their focusWhat the writer draws attention to at a given moment (e.g., setting, character, detail). on the mission rather than material possessions.

Verse 10–11: "'Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.'"

Explanation: Jesus instructs the disciples to remain in one place during their stay in a town. If they encounter resistance or rejection, they are to move on to another location. The act of shaking the dust off their feet symbolises a sign of judgement against those who reject their message.

Verse 12: "They went out and preached that people should repent."

Explanation: Following Jesus' instructions, the disciples embarked on their mission, preaching the message of repentance. They called people to turn away from their sins and to turn towards God, seeking forgiveness and transformation of heart and mind.

Verse 13: "They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."

Explanation: Alongside their preaching, the disciples performed miraculous acts of healing and deliverance. They cast out demons and brought healing to the sick through the anointing with oil, displaying the power of God working through them.

Varied Interpretations

• Authority and Empowerment: This passage highlights the authority and empowerment given by Jesus to His disciples. By granting them authority over impure spirits and the ability to perform miracles, Jesus demonstrates His trust in their mission and His presence with them in their ministry.
• Dependence on God's Provision: Jesus' instructionA command that tells the CPU what operation to perform. to travel lightly and rely on the hospitality of others underscores the disciples' dependence on God's provision. This interpretation emphasises the need for Christians to trust in God's care and provision as they engage in their own mission and service.
• Rejection and Accountability: The act of shaking the dust off their feet signifies a powerful statement of judgement against those who reject the disciples' message. This interpretation highlights the accountability of both the disciples and the people to respond to the call of repentance and the consequences of their decisions.

Relevance and Significance

• Mission and Evangelism: The mission of the Twelve serves as a model for Christian mission and evangelism. Jesus' instructions to preach repentance, heal the sick, and drive out demons are relevant to the Church's ongoing mission to share the Gospel and bring healing and restoration to the broken and hurting.
• Authority in Ministry: This passage emphasises that authority in ministry comes from Jesus Himself. Just as the Twelve were empowered by Jesus, Christians today are called to carry out their ministries in the authority and power of Christ, relying on His guidance and leading.
• Hospitality and Trust: The disciples' reliance on the hospitality of others teaches the importance of trust and openness in the mission field. It encourages Christians to reach out to others with humility and trust, relying on God's provision and guidance as they engage in various forms of ministry.
• Accountability and Responsibility: The disciples' act of shaking the dust off their feet underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility in the mission of the Church. It reminds Christians of the need to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and leave the response to God, trusting in His sovereignty and timing.

Conclusion

The mission of the Twelve in St. Mark's Gospel highlights the authority and empowerment given by Jesus, the dependence on God's provision, the need for trust and openness in ministry, and the accountability and responsibility in sharing the Gospel.