And He called the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff–no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts–but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And 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 that city!”
So they went out and preached that people should repent.
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. ~Mark 6:7-13
~~~
Two by Two
I take this to heart. This means we should be paired up when heading out on our mission to serve God and do His ministry. God can minister alone, but we are human and need a travelling companion, and the extra spirit and verve that comes when there are two or more gathered in His name.
Power Over unclean Spirits
No matter what evil spirits the disciples encountered, they had the power of God to overcome them. Jesus told His disciples they would do greater works than even He had done!
Nothing for the Journey Except a Staff
Wow. To me, this is the hardest part! That is some faith! no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts. If they have no bag, they literally would have to carry anything else they brought, and since they were already commanded to carry a staff, that would leave their only free hand burdened with something to carry. But that extra hand was supposed to be kept free, and not carry anything (except maybe the fruit or food they were eating in the moment).
If they had no bag, they could not carry their face oil, anointing oil, Burt’s Bees lipstick, toothbrush, hair brush, toenail clippers, comb, barrette, chewing gum, bottled water, pen, ipod, or phone with them! I cannot imagine doing without these things, and I live a pretty simple life. It would mean that God would provide all these things on the road or from other people. I know that springs would occur along the way and so they could drink at those wells, and also visit with the local folks who would be coming out for water. It would force them to interact and share a drink, and a cup (which is unheard of in our germaphobic culture). They could chew the resin of frankincense trees to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh. They could pick figs and nuts and other fruit from trees along their way. How would they get their daily bread? From folks who took pity on them, or who appreciated the things they shared and the healing they did. But no money is a tough one. That meant they were totally and completely at the mercy of their neighbor and fellow brethren.
To anoint, someone would have to share or give them oil, which almost all the people had at that time, except the very poor.
Wear Sandals
This is interesting. They could have gone barefoot. But going barefoot over stony desert land that might have been scorching hot would mean there would be many places they could not physically go. This illustrated how it was of paramount importance that they go EVERYWHERE, but to also have EVERYTHING provided for them by God Himself. If they had taken stuff and seemed well-equipped, it might have been possible for people to mistake them as another Messiah. But in going without anything and showing the people that God provided for all their needs insured that God was glorified, not the disciples themselves.
Not to Put on Two Tunics
I just learned that Roman men and women wore a pretty standard dress. Tunics underneath with a palla (women) or toga (men) over the tunic. The mantle or over covering would be used to anything from providing more heat in the cold, to serving as a sleeping bag. Jesus commanded them not to take two tunics. This goes along with Him not wanting them to take anything extra. They would be covered and warm, but not overladen with clothing.
A Staff
A staff would be handy for hiking on rough terrain, and for reaching fruit in the tops of trees. Shepherds used staffs for many things and were a common sight in the Holy Land, further insuring that the disciples would fit in and not be so conspicuous.
Lord, help me to lighten my load as I go out to serve You. Send me a travelling companion, and help me to trust that You will provide for all my needs: clothing, food, and shelter; and that I do not need to have a backup plan ready ‘just in case’. ❤
~Song of Mary~ 