He Sent Them Out
Mark 6:7-13

Frankly, from a strategic viewpoint the timing of their sending doesn’t seem the best. Recently, following the stormy sea incident, Jesus bluntly asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:35-41) And a little later, after he miraculously feeds the 5000, he will meet them on a windy sea where they, scared and screaming, will think they’ve seen a ghost. Mark explains that “they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:52)

Not exactly the varsity squad. But Jesus puts them in play anyway to face down demons with limited resources. What was Jesus thinking?

Here’s the fact, Jack. None of us have the abilities or resources to pull off the mission of Christ. They needed to learn what we need to learn: the success of Christ’s mission is not dependent upon the abilities or resources of the sent, but upon the abilities and resources of the Sender. They were sent with little to learn they could trust him much.

That’s good news for imperfect disciples. Which, by the way, are the only kind there are.