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Commentaries
English
Mark
  
8. Sending Out the Twelve to Their Nation
(Mark 6:7-13)
7And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.8He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -9but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.10Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.11And 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 the city!”12So they went out and preached that people should repent.13And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.


Jesus sent his apostles according to the number of the tribes of his nation, to proclaim that all tribes are called to the kingdom of God, and that each individual is in need of repentance and freedom from the spirits of hell. He sent out his chosen ones to the holy war without weapon, not individually, but always two by two that each one might strengthen and perfect the other. If one spoke, the other might pray. If one became discouraged, the other might encourage him. The kingdom of God is not built on intellectual powers of individuals, but on the fellowship of love among all where each one considers the other better than himself. Where humility enters into the fellowship of preachers, Jesus fills his apostles with his power. He who is sent out by Christ is his ambassador, and representative of his kingdom, which is realized today through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. Wherever the messengers of Christ preach his death and his life, unclean spirits go out, the power of darkness vanishes, and people trust their Redeemer, and are renewed to patience and pleasure.
Christ’s messengers are somewhat poor that no one may desire their wealth and attack them, and that they may not trouble themselves with earthly burdens, but trust their heavenly Father night and day, and experience that he cares for them at all times. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other necessities shall be added to you. You cannot serve God and Mammon, for either you will hate the one and love the other, or else you will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Men in nature aspire after money, possession, and relaxation. However, Christ calls you to his spiritual kingdom, and his effective service based on contentment and continuous trust in your heavenly Father.
The Holy Spirit leads the Lord’s servants to the houses of those who are prepared, and not to the neglectful crowds. So, pray to your Lord insistently that he may connect you with someone who is prepared to hear his word. You do not have to change the whole world, but your Lord only calls you to find individuals who long for him. Those will hear you, and your preach will bear fruit in them, and among them the Holy Spirit will create repentance, faith, and love. If you walk under the guidance of God, and the obedience of faith, the Spirit of peace will cast the unclean spirits of hatred out of your hearers. He will heal the sick hearts, and save many through your humble service.

Prayer
O Lord, we thank you for your love toward us, in that while we were unprofitable servants, you called us to preach the kingdom of your love throughout your humble authority. Help us to walk in holiness, and equip us with the word of your power that those who hunger for your righteousness may be filled, and those who are bound by impurity, haughtiness, and their evil spirits may be freed and spiritually born again. Amen.
Question
What were Christ’s commands to his apostles before sending them out to preach?