MARK 6:7–13, THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE
SHARED AUTHORITY AND TRUST IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE
Introduction
After experiencing rejection in Nazareth, Jesus does not slow down his mission. Instead, he expands it. Knowing that his time is limited and that the Kingdom must reach beyond his own physical presence, Jesus begins to involve the Twelve more actively. This passage marks a turning point where disciples become missionaries. They are not only learners but now participants in Jesus’ saving work, sharing his authority and relying completely on God.
Bible passage (Mark 6:7–13)
He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching. He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Background
This mission discourse follows Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. While unbelief limits his work in one place, faith-filled obedience allows the mission to spread elsewhere. Sending the Twelve anticipates the later mission of the Church and prepares them for leadership after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Opening life connection
Parents gradually entrust responsibilities to their children so they may grow into maturity. Teachers eventually send students out to apply what they have learned. Similarly, Jesus entrusts his mission to imperfect disciples, showing that God’s work advances not by human strength but by obedience and trust.
Verse-by-verse / phrase-by-phrase reflection
“He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two”
Mission flows from communion with Jesus. Being sent two by two provides mutual support, accountability, and credible witness.
“He gave them authority over unclean spirits”
The mission is spiritual, not merely social. Authority comes from Jesus, not from personal holiness or skill.
“Take nothing for the journey”
Jesus calls his disciples to radical trust in God and the hospitality of others. Missionaries must rely on providence, not possessions.
“Wear sandals but not a second tunic”
They are to be ready for movement, simplicity, and urgency, avoiding unnecessary comfort.
“Stay there until you leave from there”
This instruction prevents opportunism and teaches contentment. The disciple respects relationships over convenience.
“Shake the dust off your feet”
This symbolic action signifies responsibility placed back on those who reject the message. The disciple moves on without resentment.
“They preached repentance”
The heart of the mission is conversion. Repentance is the doorway to the Kingdom of God.
“They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them”
Healing accompanies preaching. God’s mercy addresses both spiritual and physical suffering.
Jewish historical and religious context
Traveling teachers depended on hospitality. Shaking dust from one’s feet was a Jewish gesture indicating separation from those who refused God’s message. Anointing with oil was a known sign of healing and blessing.
Catholic tradition and teaching
This passage prefigures apostolic succession and missionary activity of the Church. The anointing of the sick finds fulfillment in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, where prayer and oil continue Christ’s healing ministry.
Historical or saintly illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi embraced Gospel poverty and sent his brothers out with minimal provisions. Their trust in God and joyful simplicity became a powerful witness that renewed the Church.
Application to Christian life today
Every baptized Christian is sent on mission. Trust in God, simplicity of life, perseverance amid rejection, and commitment to repentance remain essential. We are called to heal wounds through compassion, prayer, and service.
Eucharistic connection
In the Eucharist, Christ strengthens and sends us forth. As the disciples were sent after being with Jesus, we are sent after receiving him to proclaim the Kingdom through our lives.
Messages / Call to conversion
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Mission begins with being called by Jesus
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Trust in God must replace reliance on possessions
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Rejection should not discourage faithful service
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Repentance is central to Christian proclamation
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Every believer is sent to heal and to witness
Outline for preachers
• Context of mission after rejection
• Being sent two by two
• Authority received from Christ
• Radical trust and simplicity
• Response to acceptance and rejection
• Preaching repentance and healing
• Sacramental and missionary implications
• Call to active discipleship today
