Word@Work 066 - Mark 6:6b-7
Published: Wed, 02/20/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:6b-7 Then Jesus went round teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. (NIV)
The ministry of Jesus is often reviewed as a constant round of miracles and nice stories. Mark says that His core ministry task was, teaching the truth about the kingdom of God - and that He was the appointed King. But He did not teach alone, the presence of the disciples was not just that of a film set production entourage, or even as supporting cast. The disciples were there to learn, indeed strategically, they were the principal audience. Village after village heard similar stories, and bit by bit, heavenly values sank into the hearts of these down-to-earth men.
Often, the best way of learning is to teach. So Jesus sent them off (v12 tells us that they were commissioned to call people to repentance). The power to exorcise demons validated this teaching - showing that in the Name of Jesus every spirit must submit - and so should the human hearers. But they were not to go alone, lest their spiritual enemy should get the advantage. Trainees can easily become either inflated with pride in their success, or discouraged to be point of desertion. So, Jesus sent them out two by two.
Today, there are too many go-it-alone Christians. Good ideas and passion can never substitute for a shared conviction of God's call, mutual support and accountability. Without these, heresy breeds quietly and charismatic leaders can divert hoards of honest hearted believers away from living with a gospel agenda. Without praying together, even the best plans will be more flesh than spirit. So, who are your prayer partners at work and church? Involved in a ministry - do it together!
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for all I have learned from You, and for wanting to involve me in the work of Your Kingdom. Please team me up with others so that we can learn, pray and work together to Your praise and Glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The ministry of Jesus is often reviewed as a constant round of miracles and nice stories. Mark says that His core ministry task was, teaching the truth about the kingdom of God - and that He was the appointed King. But He did not teach alone, the presence of the disciples was not just that of a film set production entourage, or even as supporting cast. The disciples were there to learn, indeed strategically, they were the principal audience. Village after village heard similar stories, and bit by bit, heavenly values sank into the hearts of these down-to-earth men.
Often, the best way of learning is to teach. So Jesus sent them off (v12 tells us that they were commissioned to call people to repentance). The power to exorcise demons validated this teaching - showing that in the Name of Jesus every spirit must submit - and so should the human hearers. But they were not to go alone, lest their spiritual enemy should get the advantage. Trainees can easily become either inflated with pride in their success, or discouraged to be point of desertion. So, Jesus sent them out two by two.
Today, there are too many go-it-alone Christians. Good ideas and passion can never substitute for a shared conviction of God's call, mutual support and accountability. Without these, heresy breeds quietly and charismatic leaders can divert hoards of honest hearted believers away from living with a gospel agenda. Without praying together, even the best plans will be more flesh than spirit. So, who are your prayer partners at work and church? Involved in a ministry - do it together!
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for all I have learned from You, and for wanting to involve me in the work of Your Kingdom. Please team me up with others so that we can learn, pray and work together to Your praise and Glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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