Reading Mark 6
“And He called the twelve to [Himself] and began to send them out two [by] two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 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. Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. “And 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. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” So they went out and preached that [people] should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed [them].” (Mar 6:7-13 NKJV)
As I was reading today this passage was first to hit me. This was not the first time in which He mentions His disciples being given power to cast out demons and healing the sick. In Mark 3:14-15 Jesus had appointed the twelve that they would go out and preach and had given them “power to heal sickness and to cast out demons.” Yet today’s reading is different. Jesus is giving them direction. First off, they were not to go alone. They were to go two by two. Jesus knows first-hand how difficult it can be to preach the gospel and knows that it is better to not go it alone.
Years ago, I had a desire to help the homeless in my community. I was planning on giving people coffee because it was during the cold months in the north. I had no specific plan other than I would drive around and ask people if they would like something warm to drink. I hoped that by filling a physical need they would be willing to have me pray for them and hopefully share the love of Jesus. My husband was less inclined to having me do this alone, so I had a male friend that had a similar heart for the homeless that joined me. The two of us were able to pray for people and as we learned of needs that people had we tried to fill those needs.
Similar to what Jesus tells His disciples there were times that we were not well received. Some people do not want help and I’ll be honest I was hurt. My heart was full of compassion for those that were hurting, and I wanted more than anything to take that hurt away from them. Have you ever had this kind of compassion for others? Yet similar to the disciples we had to shake that off and move on to the next person. Jesus does not want us to stop because of a little bit of rejection. Jesus wants us to pick ourselves up and continue in what He called us to.
Here He had called the disciples to go. The disciples went and they cast out demons and healed the sick. When they came back to Jesus in verse 30 they told Him of all they had done. I am assuming they had no proof or any doctors’ reports that they brought back with them. It is amazing how today many people will doubt testimonies such as the ones the disciples gave. Skeptical people today are always seeking proof, but Jesus never once asked them to provide proof. He does not need us to prove what has been done. People need to hear testimonies, not be shown proof of the signs and wonders. For is says, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” Revelation 12:11 NKJV Here is says they overcame by the word of their testimony, not the proof from the doctors office. We are to share our testimonies and for those that receive it they too can overcome the problems, sickness or hurts in their lives.
Isn’t it interesting that when the disciples came back Jesus knew they needed to rest? He has them get in a boat to cross over to the other side. There are times in ministry where we need to rest. Jesus too rested and went in solitude to pray. If Jesus knew the importance of rest how much more do we need rest and have time alone with the Lord. Yet, they did not get to rest other than the boat ride because by the time they had sailed to the other side, there was a multitude of people waiting for them. Jesus could have sent them away because they needed rest, but Jesus does not turn people away. Instead, His heart was full of compassion for those that are lost and in need.
Thankfully Jesus has not changed; he is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8) I don’t know about you but that is great news. He still has compassion today for those that come and seek Him. In turn, He is still raising up disciples today to go and preach the gospel giving them authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. He doesn’t change and what He has called His disciples to do has not changed either. If you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus, He is calling you today to go. It may not be traveling to different countries; it may be at your workplace or your neighborhood. I’m speaking to myself as much as I’m speaking to those reading this blog. We are called to go. Do not be discouraged if people reject your words. They are rejecting Jesus. Dust yourself off! Move on to the next person.
Lord I pray today that we would have boldness in talking with the lost. Let your words flow through us and let your power and authority be given to every disciple reading these words so they will go out and cast out demons in those that are held captive. Let them lay hands on those that are sick and see them recover. Lord we thank you that we are perfectly equipped for everything we will come against. Lord now is a time to rise up and do what we have been called to. Lord let your compassion fill us so that we see with your eyes the hurt and the needs.
*I want to hear your testimony so please share how God is working through you. I’m expecting to hear many testimonies over the coming months because the field is ripe my friends. People are ready to hear about Jesus. Amen.