Mark 6:6-13

6:6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then [after experiencing rejection in His hometown (Mark 6:1-6a)] Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

6:7 Calling the twelve [see Mark 3:13-19 re: appointment of the twelve] to Him [to receive instructions], He [urgently] sent [the same word from which we get “apostle”] them [see Mark 3:14] out [as His official representatives: see also 2 Cor. 5:20] two [see Ecc. 4:9-12 concerning the value of two] by two [thus multiplying His ministry: Jesus applied the Jewish legal requirement of two witnesses to affirm the veracity of a matter in court to the matter of witnessing and preaching] and [continually] gave them authority [power delegated by Jesus] over evil spirits [see 6:13].

6:8 These were His instructions [essentially, travel simply and lightly]: “Take nothing for the journey except [only what is absolutely necessary] a staff — no bread, no bag [or knapsack], no money in your belts [they were instead to depend totally upon God].

6:9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic [coat: two coats was a sign of wealth and might give the wrong impression].

6:10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there [be content with the lodging you have, do not leave if better lodging becomes available] until you leave that town.

6:11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you [an indication that they should expect some rejection, even as Jesus had faced rejection], shake the dust off your feet when you leave [a symbol of God’s disapproval of those who reject Him and His representative: see Acts 13:51 concerning Paul’s actions in Pisidian Antioch], as a [thought-provoking and hopefully redemptive] testimony against them.”

6:12 They went out [as His representatives] and preached that people should repent [have a change of mind about God, Jesus, and themselves: to change one’s actions].

6:13 [The twelve] They [repeatedly] drove out [because God’s kingdom and power is greater than Satan’s] many demons [see 6:7] and anointed many [numerous acts of compassion] sick people with [olive] oil [a common agent used in healing: used externally and internally: see Luke 10:34] and healed them.

Note: What are some ways in which we can be involved in compassionate ministry?

Mark 6:30-31

6:30 The apostles [those sent forth on a special mission] gathered around Jesus [the One who sent them] and reported to Him all they had done and taught.

6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going [indicates the constant needs of people] that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me [Jesus calls us to serve and to rest] by yourselves to a quiet place [without distractions] and get some [a short period of ] rest [lest you burnout].”

Note: How can a period of rest prepare us for other ministry opportunities? Why is it important to periodically cease from labor and sharpen our edge? (Ecclesiastes 10:10)