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Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
by Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13
Introduction
Following his rejection in Nazareth, Jesus commissions the twelve and sends them
out on an extended mission throughout Galilee. They proceed under the authority
and power of Jesus, both in word and sign. The disciples are sent as wandering
prophets to proclaim the dawning of the last days.
The passage
v6b. Following his rejection in Nazareth, Jesus moves throughout Galilee,
village to village, on a teaching mission. This is the third time Mark mentions
such a mission. Jesus now expands this ministry.
v7. In calling and training his disciples, Jesus has prepared for the day when
he will commission them as his representatives ("the sent one is as the man who
commissions him", Jewish law). Jesus sent the disciples to proclaim the coming
kingdom, both in word and sign. The authority to expel demons is a sign of the
greatest significance.
v8-9. Jesus' instructions for the mission are interpreted in various ways. It is
often suggested that the requirements were designed to teach the disciples about
dependence on God. Yet, it is more likely that they were cultural behaviour-codes
for wondering teachers/prophets. The disciples went "two by two" (v7) because
truth is established "by the mouth of two witnesses", Deut.17:6, while their
dress defined their business - they were messengers from God.
v10-11. A village may either accept or reject the prophet and his message. Those
who accept, following custom, offer hospitality, while those who reject face the
sign of judgement. A Jew leaving Gentile territory would normally dust
themselves off, dissociating themselves from the judgement hanging over that
land. What we have here is a piece of pointed street-theatre.
v12-13. Mark summarizes the mission in terms of a proclamation by word and sign.
The disciples proclaim the coming kingdom in the message of the gospel, and they
also proclaim it in the messianic signs of exorcism and healing. Mark summarizes
their message as a call for repentance. In the face of the coming kingdom and
the judgment it brings, we can only but turn toward ("repent") the living God
and seek his mercy. The reference to the use of oil in healing is interesting.
Although part of ancient medical treatment, it was probably only used by the
disciple as a theatrical prop. It was the messiah's power in healing that
proclaimed the kingdom's coming.
An evangelistic model
A congregation was recently told by their minister that they could choose only
two possible paths in the Christian life, either became an evangelist, or work
to finance evangelism. Evangelism is always a hot topic in Christian circles. It
is often presented as if it is an essential element in the Christian walk; the
first obligation above all others. It would seem that without dedication toward
the task of evangelism, God's kingdom will founder and the day of Christ's
return will be delayed.
From the literal application of Jesus' instructions to his disciples by such
groups as the Cooneyites, to the slick outreach systems of Church Growth, we are
left with the impression that evangelism is a necessary technique for the growth
of Christ's church. Yet, the truth is that Christ gathers and builds his church
and we are but commissioned to participate in this work. Our passage gives us
some hints as to the strategies we may use to this end.
1. The means
Jesus takes the accepted medium of communication for his day and uses it as a
vehicle for mass communication. His methodology is both traditional and
theatrical. The disciples' garb gathers the crowd and their antics drive home
the message ("shake the dust off..."). Our access to the mass media gives the
Christian church opportunities for communicating the gospel that have never
existed before. Yet sadly, the church is so caught up in technique
person-to-person selling systems and pseudo church evangelistic meeting
technology, that we fail to focus our efforts on the electronic media.
2. The message
Both Jesus and his disciples proclaimed the news of God's dawning kingdom in
both words and signs, calling on all to "repent". The gospel is a simple message
announcing that Jesus freely offers us life eternal. Because he lives, we can
live also. All we have to do is face the living God and ask, but we must ask. As
for proclaiming the gospel in signs, Jesus taught that the sign of God's dawning
kingdom to the Gentile world is the love of the brotherhood - "love one
another", cf Jn.17:20-23. The sense of the word "love" is best illustrated in
words like "acceptance", or "forgiveness". The dawning kingdom is visibly
displayed in the capacity of God's people to welcome and incorporate into the
Christian fellowship even the most unlovely person.
Sadly, the gospel today is often presented as a series of theological lectures,
and as for the gospel in sign, the rise of neo-puritanism displays anything but
acceptance toward the great "unwashed". We do well to both communicate God's
love in Christ and to live it.
Discussion
1. Why aren't Jesus' practical instructions in this passage binding on us today?
2. In light of this passage, discuss the methodology and message (both word and
sign) of evangelism.
See Also:
Sermons and Bible Commentaries for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost
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