Imagine for a moment that you are one of the disciples. You’ve just watched Jesus calm a storm, cast out demons, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. Your confidence in Him is soaring. Then Jesus takes you to His hometown, and instead of celebration you watch Him face rejection and mockery. And right after that, He gathers you in and says, “Now it’s your turn.” But here’s the catch—you are to go out with almost nothing. No bag, no bread, no money, not even a change of clothes. Yet the assignment remains staggering: proclaim the kingdom, cast out demons, heal the sick. Do what He’s been doing, but do it without resources.

What Jesus was teaching the disciples, He is teaching us. If you belong to Jesus, you’ve been sent out by Him. And if you’re anything like me, you often feel unprepared, undersupplied, or simply inadequate for the task. That’s exactly how the disciples must have felt too. Jesus doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. He calls us not because of our merit, but to make us depend on Him. I can testify that when Jesus called me to plant this church, I didn’t feel ready. Maybe you feel the same way when it comes to sharing your faith, discipling your family, or stepping into a ministry role. But Jesus calls His people to step out, even when we feel ill-equipped.

It’s true that these specific instructions were originally given to the Twelve Apostles, a unique group who walked with Jesus and witnessed His resurrection (Acts 1:21–22; 1 Cor. 15:7–9). They held a foundational office in the church (Eph. 2:20), wrote Scripture by the Spirit’s inspiration, and their message was confirmed with signs and wonders (Heb. 2:4). While their office is unrepeatable, the principle remains: disciples are sent. There are no bench-warmer Christians. Every believer has been summoned by Jesus’ grace and sent out in Jesus’ power.

Notice also how Jesus sent them out two by two. They weren’t just representatives of the King—they were partners on mission. Scripture shows us why: together they could verify testimony (Deut. 19:15), complement one another’s gifts, offer counsel and encouragement, and provide accountability. That’s a picture of how the church is meant to live on mission—not as isolated individuals but as a gospel family. This is why community groups matter, why shared mission matters, and why we need one another as we go.

And here’s the good news: we do not go out empty-handed. Jesus gave His disciples authority, and He gives us the same assurance of His presence and power through His Word and Spirit. Yes, you will feel uncomfortable. Yes, you will face rejection. But Jesus sends us anyway, because the urgency of the mission outweighs our excuses. The call is simple: repent, believe, and declare the gospel in both word and deed. Whether across the street or across the world, the message remains the same. And as we go, we can trust Him to provide everything we truly need.

Main Idea: If you have been summoned by Jesus’ grace, you have been sent out in Jesus’ power.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Mark places this account between Jesus’ rejection and John the Baptist’s beheading? What is Mark trying to communicate to followers of Jesus?
2. What are some obstacles that prevent you from living a sent-out life? What heart issues may hinder you from telling others the good news of the gospel?
3. Are there opportunities for your community group to go out together with the good news of the gospel?
4. Compare and contrast this account with Jesus’ later sending of the seventy-two in Luke 10:1–12. What explanations are given in Luke that are not explained in Mark?
5. Read Mark 6:12–13. Why do you think Mark references the proclamation of the disciples before their actions? What does this tell you about the centrality of the gospel in evangelism?
6. Why does the gospel demand the response of repentance?