Text: Mark 6:1-16
Event(s): Jesus is again rejected at Nazareth, Jesus sends out the twelve, John the Baptist is beheaded
Though today’s reading plan assignment focuses only on Mark’s account, I highly recommend reading the additional (optional) reading passages as they provide a much more detailed account of these events – especially Matthew. In Matthew we find some very endearing words of instruction, comfort and encouragement that Jesus gave the disciples to accompany their assignment. I can’t imagine reading of the sending out of the twelve without including this as it really captures Jesus’ heart.
Mark 6:3 “and they were offended at Him” People oftentimes can’t see the potential of what we are called to or created for because they only relate to us based on where we came from, or where we’ve been. Familiarity breeds contempt. It was no different for Jesus, but it was His relationship with the Father and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that allowed Him to walk in the confidence of His calling.
Mark 6:5 “now He could do no mighty work there” This was Jesus. But yet He could do no mighty work there? Why? vs 6 tells us it was because of their unbelief. They didn’t receive Him for who He truly was.
Mark 6:7 “and gave them power over unclean spirits” In Luke’s account, we read that Jesus gave them both – power (dunamis) and authority (exousia). Both are necessary to fulfill the works of the kingdom. The full scope of their assignment was to preach that the kingdom of God was at hand, to heal the sick, to cleanse lepers, to raise the dead, and to cast out demons. This is normal kingdom business.
Mark 6:8 “and He commanded them to take nothing for the journey” The real part of their training here was to find their sufficiency in God, not in the comfort of things or other people. If we were to really think about it, we “need” much less than what we typically provide ourselves with.
Today’s Takeaway: I can say it no better than this:
“Because of the power and authority given by Jesus to His disciples, then and now,
1.) We may expect victory of the powers of darkness and their operations.
2.) We are assigned to “do business” as authorized representatives of our Lord until He returns.
3.) We are promised the Father’s pleasure “to give” us the kingdom, that is, to supply us with His peace and power. (Luke 12:32)Dominion over evil has been given, but we can expect to see spiritual breakthrough to the degree we receive and apply that authority in prayer, preaching, teaching and personal ministry.” -Dr Jack Hayford
Additional (optional) reading: Matthew 13:53-58; Matthew 9:35-11:1; Matthew 14:1-12 and Luke 9:1-9
Linda G Riddle 