5 Feb 26 | Authority Without Security
Jesus sends the Twelve with real authority, but strips them of every illusion of control.
The Gospel: Mark 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
"Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them."
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Today’s Focus
Jesus sends the Twelve with real authority but strips them of self-reliance, teaching that apostolic mission flows from obedience, communion, and dependence on God rather than preparation, comfort, or control. Rooted in Old Testament patterns of Exodus and prophetic witness, their mission reveals that divine power is entrusted, not possessed, and becomes visible only when the messenger is willing to be sent without security.
A Small Invitation
We are working to capture what these miracles look like to everyone. If you have a miracle you would like to share, or if you want to share a time when you knew God to talk back, please go here and submit your testimony!
In the Margins
This Gospel is filled with details! The first to address is the summoning of the Twelve. Their mission begins with a call. They were initially called to follow, but now they are being called to go forth. They are given authority on top of that. This begins to establish apostolic succession. It is showing that through Jesus, authority over evil can be formally passed to others, but this is not something that everyone is given. They become formal representatives.
Another interesting detail is the two-by-two reference. This detail is rooted in Scripture. The Law at the time required there to be two witnesses. Jesus is now sending witnesses on a judicial mission of sorts. They are sent to perform miracles in His name and bear witness. Their authority comes from being in communion and not serving in isolation.
As the disciples head out, they are given instructions that mirror the journeys of the Old Testament. By removing their ability to rely on themselves, Jesus is anchoring their journey in Exodus-style dependence. Just as Israel leave Egypt no means to survive and the Manna cannot be stored up, their dependence is on God. The prophets often go out with very little as well. Elijah is fed by ravens and relies on hospitality to survive.
The provisions they are allowed are to support their mission, not their comfort. The walking stick and sandals enable them to go farther to spread the message. Jesus is equipping them for a mission. They are being told to rely on the will of God to support.
The instruction to remain in the same house could be confusing, especially by modern standards. In these times, moving from houses could signal that they were seeking better food, an improved social standing, or increasing influence of some kind. Jesus is telling them to remain faithful, something that echoes Old Testament concern with fidelity. Jeremiah is faithful even when no one listens and Ezekiel speaks whether Israel hears or not.
By staying put, the disciples are protected from turning mission into strategy. They are not managers of results. They are witnesses to truth. By shaking the dust off, it is anchoring their actions in Old Testament acts. Dust represent belonging. Jews returning from pagan territory would shake off dust to signify separation from idolatry. Jesus’ instruction is not simply for show, it is deeply rooted in meaning to first century Jews showing that rejection of the message places one outside covenant blessing
The disciples anoint the sick with oil and heal them. This act bridges ordinary life and divine action. Oil was common. Healing was not. Jesus allows the familiar to become the vehicle of grace and is something that is still carried on to this day.
What we see in this Gospel is deep symbolism and meanings from the Old Testament. What is amazing is that this still lives on thousands of years later. We still see apostolic succession. Catholics anoint the sick. There are many works done in the name of Jesus and miracles all around us. If we are open and leave space, we can often see these miracles. They may look different to everyone, but they exist.
Reflection Question
What false securities must be set aside for obedience to become real trust?