Called, Equipped, and Sent: Living Out Christ’s Mission Today (Mark 6:7-13).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God our Father, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit always be with you!

Today, we continue the meditation on Mark 6. The evangelist writes : 

“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7)

There is something deeply moving about the moment when Jesus sends out His disciples for the first time. It is a defining moment in their journey with Him, a transition from being mere followers to becoming active participants in His mission. Jesus, the Master Teacher, does not keep His disciples in a perpetual classroom. No! He teaches, He forms, and then He sends.

Called to Mission: A Journey of Faith and Trust

This passage teaches us an essential truth about discipleship: to be with Jesus is to be sent by Him. The twelve had been with Him, they had listened to Him, and now, He was entrusting them with His own authority. This was not just a human mission; it was God’s mission. This underscores the important of faith experience; the more we have experiential knowledge of Jesus the eager we will seek to make Him known and loved.

But notice something striking: Jesus sends them out with nothing but faith.

“He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, no bread, no bag, no money in their belts." (Mark 6:8)”

What does this mean? Jesus was teaching them absolute trust in God's providence. He was stripping away all self-reliance so that their dependence would be on Him alone. This is a radical call in a world that values security and preparation.

Yet, this is how God often works. Look at Abraham, called to leave everything behind and journey to a land God would show him (Genesis 12:1). Consider the Israelites, led into the wilderness where they had to depend on God for daily manna (Exodus 16:15-16). Even in the New Testament, St. Paul reminds us, “We Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Power of Simplicity and Detachment

The instruction to carry no extra provisions challenges our modern mindset. But Jesus was not advocating recklessness; He was calling them to simplicity and freedom. When we carry too much, too many worries, too many plans, too many attachments, our hearts are too burdened to focus on the mission.

This is why poverty of spirit is a powerful force in mission. A missionary heart is one that trusts in God's provision and is not weighed down by worldly concerns. Jesus Himself lived this way: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). He was showing His disciples that the power of their mission did not come from human resources but from the presence of God in their lives.

Two by Two: The Strength of Community

Another crucial detail is that Jesus sent them out two by two. Why?

First, in Jewish tradition, a testimony was confirmed by the witness of two people (Deuteronomy 19:15). This shows that the Gospel is not an individualistic mission, it is a shared mission. We are called to support one another, to walk together in faith, and to strengthen each other in times of difficulty.

This also reminds us that Christianity is not a solo journey. The enemy often tries to isolate believers, making them feel alone or overwhelmed. But Jesus calls us to walk in communion with others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 beautifully expresses this truth:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Preaching, Healing, and Deliverance: The Fruits of Mission

“So, they went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” (Mark 6:12-13)

Their mission was not just about words, it was about transformation. They called people to repentance, they cast out demons, and they brought healing. This is what happens when disciples truly embrace their calling: God’s power works through them.

This is a reminder that our Christian witness must be holistic. We are not just called to share the Gospel with words but to demonstrate its power in action. Are there people around us who need healing? Who need liberation from sin, addiction, or despair? Christ sends us to be instruments of His healing presence.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We are all sent. Jesus did not send only the apostles; He sends each of us. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to be bearers of His Good News. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) still applies to us today.

Trust in God’s provision. Many times, we hesitate to step out in faith because we feel unprepared or under-equipped. But God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. If He sends us, He will provide for us.

Walk in the way of Christ’ freedom. Like the disciples, we need to detach from the things that weigh us down, whether material possessions, fears, or sins, so that we can focus on our mission.

Walk in community. We cannot do this alone. We need the strength of fellowship, the encouragement of others, and the power of praying together.

Bring healing and deliverance. Our mission is not just about preaching but about touching lives. Through acts of kindness, prayers, and service, we can bring Christ’s healing love to those who are hurting.

The Urgency of Mission

Jesus sent out His disciples with urgency because the world needed the Gospel. That urgency remains today. There are many who have never truly encountered Christ. Many are lost, broken, and in need of hope.

Will we respond to His call? Will we step out in faith, trusting in His provision and power?

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, You sent Your disciples out to proclaim Your Kingdom. Today, You send us. Give us the courage to trust in You, the wisdom to walk in simplicity, and the love to bring healing to those around us. May we go forth in faith, knowing that You walk beside us. Amen.🙏🙏🙏