Mark 6:7-13 The Church on Mission: Continuing the Work of the Apostles

The Church on Mission: Continuing the Work of the Apostles

Mark 6:7-13

Introduction:

Imagine preparing for an event. You ask someone to bring key items—ingredients for a meal, tools for a task, or supplies for a project. But they return having worked hard on things you didn’t ask for and forgot the one thing you needed. That event wouldn’t be complete. The work wouldn’t move forward.

In Mark 6:7–13, Jesus sends His disciples out with specific instructions to proclaim the kingdom. Their faithfulness wasn’t measured by effort alone—it was measured by obedience. The same is true of the church today. We have a task given by our King. The mission hasn’t changed.

Sent with Authority (Mark 6:7)

Jesus sent the twelve out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. Their message was one of repentance—the kingdom of God had arrived. The authority to heal and cast out demons confirmed the truth of that message, not to glorify the messenger but to glorify the King (Acts 26:15–18; Matthew 10:5–7).

This commission is not unique to the twelve. From Noah (2 Peter 2:5) to the prophets (Genesis 6:11–14), and now to the church (Matthew 28:18–20), God’s people have always been called to proclaim repentance and point others to salvation. The gospel has always been God’s plan, and now, post-resurrection, we carry the clearest version of that message to the world.

Relying on God’s Provision (Mark 6:8–9)

Jesus told the disciples to take nothing extra—no food, money, or supplies. They were to rely on God’s provision. Later, Jesus would ask them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” And they answered, “Nothing” (Luke 22:35).

We’re called to that same kind of trust. God’s provision is promised as we walk in obedience. If we prioritize the gospel, sound doctrine, and holiness, He will supply all that we need. We can’t live in rebellion and expect provision, but when we pursue His mission, we will lack nothing.

Responding to Rejection (Mark 6:10–11)

Jesus prepared His disciples for rejection. If a town didn’t receive them, they were to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against it (Matthew 10:11–15). The message would not always be welcomed, but their responsibility was faithfulness—not acceptance.

We, too, face rejection. But rejection does not change the mission. We will all stand before God and give an account (Romans 14:10–12). We cannot envy the ease of the wicked or change our message to gain approval (Proverbs 24:19–22). We keep going. We preach Christ. We remain faithful.

Faithfulness Bears Fruit (Mark 6:12–13)

The disciples went. They proclaimed repentance. They cast out demons. They healed the sick. Their obedience produced real fruit—not because of their power, but because of Christ’s authority working through them (Colossians 1:24–29).

We may not save the world, but God will use His people to call others to Himself. The Spirit is still at work. The Word still changes hearts. And we, as a local church, contribute our part in building a kingdom that spans generations and cultures.

Like Ruth, who didn’t know she’d be the great-grandmother of the Messiah, we may never see the full impact of our obedience. Like Joel, who didn’t know his prophecy would apply to Gentiles (Joel 2:28–32; 1 Peter 1:10–12), our faithfulness now may echo in eternity. We plant bricks in a kingdom God is constructing. He exists outside of time. He uses our efforts, however small, to bring about His glorious purposes.

Conclusion

  1. The church still has the same mission Jesus gave the apostles. We go. We proclaim. We trust in His power and authority.
  2. We may never see the full outcome of our obedience in this life, but God will use it. Our task is not to produce results, but to be faithful.
  3. Let us not trade eternal fruit for temporary comfort. The mission is clear. The kingdom is near. Let us build it, brick by brick, for the glory of Christ.

Scripture References

  1. Acts 26:15–18 – Jesus commissions Paul to turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness and sanctification by faith.
  2. Matthew 10:5–7 – Jesus sends out the twelve to proclaim to the lost sheep of Israel that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  3. 2 Peter 2:5 – Noah is described as a herald of righteousness who preached before judgment came by the flood.
  4. Genesis 6:11–14 – God saw that the earth was corrupt and violent, and He commanded Noah to build an ark.
  5. Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach in His name.
  6. Luke 22:35 – Jesus reminds the disciples that when He sent them out with nothing, they lacked nothing.
  7. Matthew 10:11–15 – Instructions about hospitality, rejection, and judgment during the disciples’ mission.
  8. Romans 14:10–12 – Every person will give an account of themselves before God at the judgment seat.
  9. Proverbs 24:19–22 – A warning not to envy the wicked, for their future holds ruin.
  10. Colossians 1:24–29 – Paul’s aim in ministry is to present every believer mature in Christ, proclaiming the mystery now revealed.
  11. 1 Peter 1:10–12 – The prophets searched and inquired about the grace that was to come through Christ.
  12. Joel 2:28–32 – God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–21).

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