Mark 6: 7-13….The Apostles trek the area.

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Comment: We have here a very brief description of what, if true, is a very significant event. By the way, I believe that it is a true record of the event.

• We know that the twelve mentioned were all males. They were sent out in pairs presumably for comfort, support and companionship.
• They were empowered by Jesus.
• They were to be simple in dressing and style, and as they carried out the Master’s orders, were to be dependent on the people to whom they were speaking the message and carrying out their healing ministry.
• Their message was a call to repentance. The healing ministry was to both the possessed and the physically ill.
• If people rejected them they were to, on leaving the place, shake off the dust from their sandals. Maybe it was for people to see and to understand the social significance. On the other hand was it a sign recorded by God, for an eternal record against the rejection of the disciples by the people they were leaving.
• It was a successful tour.

Prayer: May I be careful in hearing Your word to me and obedient in carrying it out, O Lord.