Following Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

THE DISCIPLES ON MISSION

Look Closely: Up to this point, Jesus has been doing the teaching and healing. Here, we see the disciples sent out for the first time on their own. Like God’s command to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1 that they would be fruitful and multiply- not just in numbers, but in taking His mission, His Kingdom, His good rule, and reign into all the world, the disciples have their first opportunity at fulfilling this mission. Notice what Jesus did and did not give them. Notice His instructions.

-Why did Jesus send them out to minister in pairs?

-How do you think it increased the disciple’s faith when they followed Jesus’ instructions and witnessed the results?

-How might this short-term assignment have been a step in preparing them for the Great Commission of Matthew 28?

N.T. Wright notes, “These are emergency instructions for a swift and dangerous mission, not a program for the continuing life of the church after Easter… Mark’s breathless gospel focuses here on the disciples’ breathless mission: and if people won’t have it, there’s no time to lose. On to the next place, and woe to those who have missed their chance.”

Challenge: What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?