In Mark 6, Jesus has just gotten His ministry well established, with everyone talking about what He was doing and saying. It then says this:
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Just a few notes here about these first followers of Jesus: They were not hindered by fear. They knew Jesus was sending them out into a dark and dirty world, but they did not let that hold them back from following His call. That may be because they knew they were not alone. Not only did they go out two by two; they knew they had the authority of Jesus and His message. He had told them all they needed to say: "Repent! We all need to change and Jesus gives us the ability and desire to change." Also note here that His followers traveled light; they were to take as little as possible. We cannot carry out His mission with a lot of baggage weighing us down. Finally, leave the response to God. We cannot change the world; we can only introduce people to the One Who can.
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