Mark 6:7-13

⁷ He summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them the right to deal with unclean spirits. ⁸ He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; ⁹ only to wear sandals but not to put on two tunics. ¹⁰ He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. ¹¹ If any place will not welcome^[1] you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” ¹² So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. ¹³ They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

travelling light

The instructions Jesus gave his apostles must be read with an appreciation for their context. In modern missions, when we plan to send workers to a different culture and geographical region, we make sure they have all the resources they will need to get the job done. But Jesus seems to be advocating a different approach. The difference in strategy has to do with the intended target of the ministry. The apostles were being sent out into familiar territory. They were not crossing cultures. They had every reason to expect to be welcomed into the homes of people who would welcome both their message and them. In that context, travelling light is the right strategy.

Perhaps there is a word of wisdom here for those of us who decide how to fund the various ministries of our churches. We should spend more and prepare more for those ministries which are less likely to be supported initially by the intended recipients.

LORD, show us how to spread the excellent message strategically and efficiently.

[1] δεχομαι (6:11; 9:37; 10:15).