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Mark 6:7-13 “Apprentices of God’s Kingdom”

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4–7 minutes

Mark 6:7-13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs, granting them authority over “evil spirits” (v. 7). A more accurate translation of this phrase would be “unclean spirits.” Now, the time had come for the disciples to put into practice what they had seen and learned from Jesus. He sent them out in pairs because, in Jewish culture, the testimony of “two or three witnesses” was required for something to be accepted as true.

Jesus instructed them to take nothing except a staff (v. 8). For those traveling through rural villages, a staff was essential. However, he told them not to take “bread, a bag,” or “money in their belts.” They were allowed to wear sandals but not to carry extra tunics (v. 9). This was meant to train them to rely completely on God’s provision.

When the disciples entered a village and were welcomed by someone, Jesus instructed them to stay in that house until they left the village (v. 10). This meant they were not to move from house to house, seeking better hospitality. However, if a village rejected them, Jesus commanded, “Shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them when you leave” (v. 11). In the prophetic tradition, shaking the dust from one’s feet symbolized having fulfilled one’s duty. The phrase “as a testimony against them” refers to God’s judgment—they would be held accountable before God for rejecting His word.

The twelve disciples went out in pairs, traveling through various villages and proclaiming a message of repentance (v. 12). Mark does not specify how long they carried out this mission. With the authority given to them by Jesus, they cast out demons and healed the sick (v. 13). Anointing the sick with oil while praying for them was a symbolic act, signifying the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

Meditation:

Jesus set apart twelve individuals from among his followers for at least two reasons. First, they were to serve as the patriarchs of a new covenant people—the Church—replacing Israel, which had failed in its calling as God’s covenant people. Second, Jesus intended to train them so that they could continue and expand the gospel ministry he had begun. For this, he kept them close, allowing them to learn directly from him. After teaching the crowds, he would take time to explain his teachings in greater detail to his disciples. They were truly “apprentices of God’s Kingdom.”

After some time, Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs. When they were first sent, they likely felt a mix of excitement and fear. Although Jesus had given them authority over unclean spirits, they might have wondered whether it would actually work—whether the sick would truly be healed when they anointed them with oil and prayed. With both expectation and doubt in their hearts, they went out and did as they had seen and heard from Jesus. To their amazement, unclean spirits were cast out, and the sick were healed. This must have filled them with deep reverence, for they witnessed the work of God happening through them just as it had through Jesus. They realized that the Kingdom of God was truly present among them.

The twelve disciples serve as models for all believers. Jesus’ command to them was not meant only for pastors or missionaries but for everyone who has received Jesus Christ as Lord. Like the twelve, all believers are called to participate in God’s work. To do this, we must stay close to Jesus, continually learning from him. We must remain spiritually alert and seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we are called to invite others to join in the work that God is doing among us. Trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work within us, we should boldly share the gospel, pray for others, and serve those in need. This is what it means to live as members of the new covenant people.

Prayer:

Lord, every time we read the story of the twelve disciples, we have thought of it as something unrelated to us. Today, we confess that this was merely an excuse. We acknowledge that you have made us recipients of the gospel so that we may also become messengers of the gospel. Draw us closer to you and fill us with the Holy Spirit. Make us apprentices of your Kingdom. Help us to humbly yet boldly go to our neighbors and share the gospel with them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Faith is like a living tree—it must keep growing and breaking through old ways of thinking. The people in Jesus’ hometown thought they knew him, but their certainty blinded them from truly seeing him. We should always be open to learning more about Jesus and allowing our faith to grow.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. Why do you think having a friend with them helped?
    • Who is someone you can tell about Jesus? What would you say to them?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • The disciples had to trust God to take care of them. What is something in your life that you need to trust God for?
    • What are some ways we can show and share God’s love in our schools, neighborhoods, and friendships?
  • For High School
    • The disciples shook the dust off their feet when people rejected them. How should we respond when people don’t want to hear about Jesus?
    • Jesus trained his disciples to continue his work. How can we be disciples in our community?

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