Lent 2026 Day 24: Tue 17 Mar
Mark 6:7-11
7 Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic. 10 And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.”
A change of direction. We now see Jesus working with his disciples. Up to now they have taken a back seat, simply following Jesus around wherever he went, and screaming at him in the boat during that storm. Not many people can name all 12 disciples, and that is due in part to some of them not being mentioned anywhere else in the Bible except as one of the twelve (tell me what you know about Thaddeus or the lesser James, for example). Still, each one, including the notorious one who went on to betray Jesus, was given the same task. Who went with whom? Did Jesus mix the bright ones with the dull ones, the impetuous with the reserved?
He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He did not give them power to heal, but the implication is that they would share the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven. It might be argued that their understanding of the Kingdom was somewhat lacking, but when Jesus sends people out, he does not send them out unfit for the task they face. There may be severe challenges, difficult situations, unfriendly responses or direct hostility, but if Jesus has commissioned us, we will complete the task.
The disciples were told not to pack food, but this was not a hunger mission. Jesus wanted them to travel light and rely on him and the Holy Spirit’s leading. Do not pack a suitcase, leave your credit cards behind. No Deliveroo. Take a stick.
Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission. His instructions were clear. However, it would not be sensible for us to follow those instructions to the letter as Jesus’ mission requirements in part addressed the times and conditions. A missioner could wash his cloak in a river. Few of us would want to do that. Sandals were appropriate wear, and a stick essential for walking on rocky ground. As to food, the law and custom of hospitality was much more accommodating than today. We might not be able to rely on free bed and breakfast from a stranger.
There’s a church or meeting hall not far away from most habitations in our land. Church fellowships can put on special missions using their own or invited-in people and expertise. Deliberate mission events can take place, but the continuous daily work of drawing people in through prayer, neighbourliness, invitation and sharing should form the basis of our work. If the church has ignored this element, then a mission set up solely to tick a box may end up as a hollow event.
Every Christian is called to share his or her faith story – it does not belong to us exclusively – we do not own the rights to it! We are not called to keep discovered treasure stored up in dark places for our own use but to proclaim it.
We may not be dealing with unclean spirits in the way that those disciples did, but that doesn’t mean that Satan is dead. We do not need to learn speeches or Christian pick-up lines. I just did not understand what the greeter at the door of a large public event meant when he asked me and everyone else who came in, “Are you saved?” It was a long time ago, but the greeting was hollow.
Our preparation is prayer for people and situations, seed sown in the hope of germination. We just need to know that Jesus will supply the words we need to say as we need them and the authority to step out in faith when it is called for. You can’t buy someone a coffee if you have no money on you, and you’d be wanting to wear a cleaner top than was acceptable in Jesus’ world.
Working in twos is good for mutual support, but sometimes, Father God puts you by yourself in front of someone and calls you to listen and share.
What areas do you frequent?
What stops you sharing your faith with others? Can praying about it help?
Father God, you call me daily into mission work. The people I live near, my family, my friends, the people I encounter – all need to hear of your sacrificial love in Jesus. Give me compassion, love and boldness to share the Good News. Amen.
Paul