by Dorcas Kulwa | 6 May 2021 08:46 pm05
This command may seem unusual at first, but when we consider it closely, it reveals profound spiritual truths about faith, dependence on God, and the nature of Christian mission.
Let’s begin by reading the biblical account:
Mark 6:7–10 (ESV):
“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, ‘Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.’”
In this moment, Jesus was sending out the Twelve to preach the gospel of the kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out unclean spirits. But He gave them a very specific instruction: take nothing for the journey—except a staff.
Why?
By telling them not to carry bread, money, or extra clothing, Jesus was teaching the disciples to rely entirely on God’s provision through the hospitality of others. Their mission was not a self-sustained expedition, but a divine calling where God would supply what was needed.
This echoes the principle found in the Old Testament:
Psalm 37:25 (ESV):
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”
And Jesus Himself emphasized this kind of trust during the Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 6:31–33 (ESV):
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Jesus didn’t want His disciples distracted by logistical concerns. If they waited to raise funds or gather resources, they might delay the mission or approach it with human strategies rather than faith. Their total dependence on God would deepen their trust and display God’s faithfulness to others.
Interestingly, Jesus made one exception—a staff. Why?
A staff in biblical times served multiple purposes. It was:
A support while walking long distances or climbing hills (Psalm 23:4),A defense against wild animals or robbers,A symbol of authority or divine appointment (as with Moses’ staff in Exodus 4:2–5).
Thus, the staff was a practical and symbolic tool. It represented both physical support and spiritual readiness for the journey ahead. While they were not to carry supplies, the staff signified that God allows what is necessary for the journey—but nothing excessive.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV):
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The staff, then, reminds us that while faith doesn’t eliminate preparation, it redefines it—we are to walk with what God permits, trusting Him for the rest.
Jesus also told them to stay in the first home that welcomed them until they left the area (Mark 6:10). This encouraged contentment and humility, avoiding favoritism or comfort-seeking.
This points to the early Church model, where hospitality became a foundational practice of Christian community (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2). It also trained the disciples to identify and build up believers who would support the mission.
Later in Jesus’ ministry, He reminded them of this experience:
Luke 22:35 (ESV):
“And he said to them, ‘When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘Nothing.’”
Their testimony was powerful—they lacked nothing. This proved that God’s provision is sufficient when we obey His call. The same truth applies to us today. When God sends, He also sustains.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV):
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Though we may not live in the exact conditions of the early disciples, the principle remains: when God sends you on a mission—whether to share the gospel, serve others, or begin a ministry—He wants you to walk by faith, not fear.
We are not called to wait until all circumstances are perfect. We are called to trust and obey, knowing that God will open doors, provide resources, and protect us as we go.
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV):
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out… And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
When Jesus said, “Take nothing except a staff,” He was preparing His disciples not only for physical travel, but for a life of faith and dependence on God. The staff symbolized what was necessary; everything else would be provided.
Even now, the Lord still sends His people with this same mindset. Let us trust Him fully, step out in obedience, and be assured that just as He provided for the Twelve, He will never fail us either.
May the Lord Jesus bless you and give you the courage to walk by faith.
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