Empowered for Mission: Trusting God's Provision

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the Gospel according to Mark, we delve into the sixth chapter, focusing on verses 7 through 13. This passage marks a pivotal moment where Jesus calls the twelve disciples and sends them out two by two, granting them authority over unclean spirits. This mission is not just a task but a profound lesson in faith and reliance on God. Jesus instructs them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, emphasizing the need to depend entirely on God's provision. This directive echoes the urgency and readiness required during the Exodus, where the Israelites had to be prepared to move at a moment's notice.

The sending of the disciples two by two is significant. It reflects the Old Testament principle that truth is established by the testimony of two witnesses. This companionship also provides mutual support and accountability. Jesus empowers them with authority, a concept rooted in the Greek word "exousia," which signifies power derived from authority. This empowerment is crucial as it authenticates their mission and message, much like the miracles performed by Moses and Jesus, which served to validate their divine commission.

Jesus' instructions to the disciples to travel light, without money or extra provisions, underscore a deeper spiritual truth. They are to trust in God's provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This reliance on God is a testament to their faith and a model for us today. The disciples' mission is not just about preaching but also about demonstrating the power of the Kingdom through acts of healing and deliverance.

The passage also highlights the gravity of rejecting the gospel. Jesus warns that those who do not receive the disciples' message will face severe judgment, more so than the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. The mission of the disciples is a microcosm of the church's mission throughout history: to preach repentance and the coming of God's Kingdom with authority and urgency.

Key Takeaways:

- The Call and Commission: Before sending the disciples, Jesus calls them to Himself, emphasizing that every mission begins with a divine calling. This pattern of being called and then sent is foundational for all believers, reminding us that our authority and purpose come from Christ. [05:03]

- Authority and Empowerment: Jesus grants the disciples authority over unclean spirits, illustrating that true power in ministry comes from divine authority. This empowerment is not for personal gain but to authenticate the message of the Kingdom. [10:17]

- Dependence on God: By instructing the disciples to take nothing for their journey, Jesus teaches them to rely entirely on God's provision. This radical dependence is a lesson in faith, challenging us to trust God in all circumstances. [15:19]

- The Seriousness of Rejection: Jesus warns that rejecting the gospel has dire consequences, more severe than the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. This underscores the eternal significance of accepting or rejecting Christ's message. [25:42]

- The Mission of Repentance: The disciples' mission to preach repentance mirrors the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Repentance is central to entering the Kingdom of God, a message that remains vital today. [30:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Reading from Mark 6:7-13
- [01:44] - Prayer and Introduction
- [03:05] - Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth
- [04:29] - The Trial Mission of the Disciples
- [05:03] - The Call and Sending of the Twelve
- [06:00] - Apostleship and Authority
- [07:52] - The Authority of Christ and Apostles
- [09:22] - Two by Two: Companionship and Testimony
- [10:17] - Power Over Unclean Spirits
- [11:20] - The Purpose of Miracles
- [15:19] - Traveling Light: Dependence on God
- [19:10] - Hospitality and Provision
- [22:19] - Shaking Off the Dust: Judgment
- [25:42] - Greater Judgment than Sodom and Gomorrah
- [30:48] - The Message of Repentance
- [31:42] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 6:7-13

Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples regarding what they should take on their journey? ([00:34])
2. Why did Jesus send the disciples out two by two, and what Old Testament principle does this reflect? ([09:22])
3. What authority did Jesus grant the disciples, and how is this authority described in the sermon? ([10:17])
4. What was the disciples' mission, and what actions did they perform as part of this mission? ([01:27])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being called and then sent by Jesus apply to believers today? What does this pattern suggest about the nature of Christian mission? ([05:03])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that reliance on God's provision is a lesson in faith for the disciples? How might this apply to modern believers? ([15:19])
3. What does the sermon imply about the seriousness of rejecting the gospel message, and how does this compare to the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah? ([25:42])
4. How does the empowerment of the disciples with authority over unclean spirits serve to authenticate their mission and message? ([10:17])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to a specific task or mission. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the disciples' example of being called and sent by Jesus? ([05:03])
2. Consider your current level of dependence on God. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust in His provision? How can you take steps to increase your reliance on Him this week? ([15:19])
3. The sermon highlights the importance of companionship and accountability in ministry. Who in your life provides you with support and accountability, and how can you strengthen these relationships? ([09:22])
4. How do you respond to rejection or indifference when sharing your faith? What strategies can you adopt to remain faithful to your mission despite challenges? ([25:42])
5. The disciples were instructed to travel light and focus on their mission. Are there distractions or burdens in your life that hinder your focus on God's calling? What practical steps can you take to address these? ([15:19])
6. Reflect on the concept of repentance as central to entering the Kingdom of God. How can you incorporate this message into your daily interactions and conversations with others? ([30:48])
7. How can you ensure that your actions and words align with the authority and message of the Kingdom of God in your everyday life? ([10:17])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Calling and Sending
Jesus calls and sends the disciples, emphasizing that every mission begins with a divine calling. This pattern of being called and then sent is foundational for all believers, reminding us that our authority and purpose come from Christ. The disciples' mission was not just a task but a profound lesson in faith and reliance on God. Jesus' directive to take nothing for their journey except a staff underscores the need to depend entirely on God's provision. This mirrors the urgency and readiness required during the Exodus, where the Israelites had to be prepared to move at a moment's notice. [05:03]

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you begin to respond to that call today?


Day 2: Empowered by Divine Authority
Jesus grants the disciples authority over unclean spirits, illustrating that true power in ministry comes from divine authority. This empowerment is not for personal gain but to authenticate the message of the Kingdom. The Greek word "exousia" signifies power derived from authority, which is crucial as it validates their mission and message. This empowerment is akin to the miracles performed by Moses and Jesus, which served to validate their divine commission. The disciples' authority over unclean spirits is a testament to the power of the Kingdom of God at work through them. [10:17]

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek God's empowerment to serve others in your community? How can you ensure that your actions reflect His authority and not your own?


Day 3: Radical Dependence on God
By instructing the disciples to take nothing for their journey, Jesus teaches them to rely entirely on God's provision. This radical dependence is a lesson in faith, challenging us to trust God in all circumstances. The disciples were to trust in the hospitality of those they ministered to, which underscores a deeper spiritual truth about reliance on God. This dependence is a model for us today, reminding us that our security and provision come from God alone, not from material possessions or human resources. [15:19]

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God for provision? How can you practice radical dependence on Him this week?


Day 4: The Consequences of Rejecting the Gospel
Jesus warns that rejecting the gospel has dire consequences, more severe than the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. This underscores the eternal significance of accepting or rejecting Christ's message. The gravity of rejecting the gospel is a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of our choices. The disciples were instructed to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who did not receive their message, highlighting the seriousness of rejecting the good news of the Kingdom. [25:42]

"But if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:11, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has rejected the gospel? How can you continue to pray for them and show them Christ's love despite their rejection?


Day 5: The Urgency of Repentance
The disciples' mission to preach repentance mirrors the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Repentance is central to entering the Kingdom of God, a message that remains vital today. The urgency of repentance is emphasized as the disciples were sent out to preach this message with authority and urgency. This mission is a microcosm of the church's mission throughout history: to preach repentance and the coming of God's Kingdom. The call to repentance is a call to turn away from sin and turn towards God, embracing His grace and forgiveness. [30:48]

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? How can you make repentance a regular practice in your spiritual journey?

Quotes

He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff, no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts, but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. And also he said to them, in whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. [00:41:04]

Before Jesus sends anyone anywhere, first he calls them, and he had already called each one of the 12 to be a student under his rabbinic tutelage. And now he calls them again to assemble them for a purpose. He calls in order to send, and we don't want to miss that. [00:49:04]

The pattern of coming and going, of being invited, of being summoned, and then being sent, we see here in this gospel account. And so he began to send them out two by two. Two things I want to observe in that little clause. First of all, when it says he began to send them, the word that he uses here that Mark uses is a variation of the verb form of apostleship. [00:57:52]

An apostle is one who is sent, apostolos. And we hear in the New Testament about disciples and apostles, and we tend to think that the two words are synonyms. They're not. A disciple is a learner, a student. An apostle is one who is commissioned by the master, to whom the master designates his own authority. [01:03:22]

The purpose of miracles in the Bible, the fundamental purpose of miracle both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, is to authenticate agents of revelation. Remember Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and said, teacher, we know you are a teacher sent from God, or else you wouldn't be able to do the things that you do. [01:20:00]

He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except the staff, no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts, but to wear sandals, not to put on two tunics. What's this all about? Well, first of all, Jesus says you're going to travel light. Again, this brings to mind Exodus and the Passover. [01:32:39]

Jesus says when you go to these villages, as soon as you enter into the village, look for somebody who will house you and feed you and grant you hospitality. It will be their burden to provide bread for you. It will be their burden to provide housing for you. You don't give that a thought. [01:55:52]

Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. There is no such thing as indifference to Christ. You're either for him or you are against him. In the kingdom of God, beloved, there is no neutral ground. [02:13:39]

The gospel is a two-edged sword. If you receive it, the benefit is eternal life. If you reject it fully and finally, you do so to your everlasting peril. Jesus said that when he came, he brought a crisis into the world. Crisis is the Greek word for judgment. [02:21:04]

If there's a village here that doesn't receive my disciples, they're going to have to answer for that on the day of judgment. And I tell you with certainty, it's going to be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, whom God destroyed with fire in the Old Testament, than it will be on those villages. [02:37:52]

There are degrees of sin. There are degrees of works of obedience. Though our works carry no intrinsic merit, Jesus at least 25 times tells us that our reward in heaven will be according to the measure of obedience that we give in this life. Paul warns the Romans, the impenitent Romans, that they are heaping up, piling up wrath against the day of wrath. [02:43:12]

So they went out and they preached that people should repent. The same message John the Baptist preached, the same message Jesus preached, the message that nobody wants to preach today, that people must repent to enter into the kingdom of God. They cast out many demons, they anointed with oil many who were sick, and they healed them. [03:04:40]

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