\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s begin by reading the biblical account:<\/p>\n
\nMark 6:7\u201310 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cAnd 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\u2014no bread, no bag, no money in their belts\u2014 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, \u2018Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nIn 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\u2014except a staff.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
1. Dependence on God\u2019s Provision<\/strong><\/h3>\n
By telling them not to carry bread, money, or extra clothing, Jesus was teaching the disciples to rely entirely on God\u2019s provision through the hospitality of others.<\/strong> Their mission was not a self-sustained expedition, but a divine calling where God would supply what was needed.<\/p>\n
This echoes the principle found in the Old Testament:<\/p>\n
\nPsalm 37:25 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cI have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nAnd Jesus Himself emphasized this kind of trust during the Sermon on the Mount:<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 6:31\u201333 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cTherefore do not be anxious, saying, \u2018What shall we eat?\u2019 or \u2018What shall we drink?\u2019 or \u2018What shall we wear?\u2019\u2026 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nJesus didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
2. Why a Staff?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Interestingly, Jesus made one exception\u2014a staff<\/strong>. Why?<\/p>\n
A staff in biblical times served multiple purposes. It was:<\/p>\n
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\u2019 staff in Exodus 4:2\u20135).<\/p>\n
Thus, the staff was a practical and symbolic tool<\/strong>. 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\u2014but nothing excessive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nPsalm 23:4 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cEven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe staff, then, reminds us that while faith doesn\u2019t eliminate preparation, it redefines it\u2014we are to walk with what God permits<\/strong>, trusting Him for the rest.<\/p>\n
3. Hospitality and the Body of Christ<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/strong>, avoiding favoritism or comfort-seeking.<\/p>\n
This points to the early Church model, where hospitality became a foundational practice<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n
4. The Result: No Lack<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Later in Jesus\u2019 ministry, He reminded them of this experience:<\/p>\n
\nLuke 22:35 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cAnd he said to them, \u2018When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?\u2019 They said, \u2018Nothing.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nTheir testimony was powerful\u2014they lacked nothing.<\/strong> This proved that God\u2019s provision is sufficient when we obey His call. The same truth applies to us today. When God sends, He also sustains.<\/p>\n
\nPhilippians 4:19 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cAnd my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n5. Faith Still Applies Today<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Though we may not live in the exact conditions of the early disciples, the principle remains: when God sends you on a mission\u2014whether to share the gospel, serve others, or begin a ministry\u2014He wants you to walk by faith, not fear.<\/strong><\/p>\n
We are not called to wait until all circumstances are perfect. We are called to trust and obey<\/strong>, knowing that God will open doors, provide resources, and protect us as we go.<\/p>\n
\nHebrews 11:8 (ESV):<\/strong>
\u201cBy faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out\u2026 And he went out, not knowing where he was going.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\u00a0<\/h3>\n
When Jesus said, \u201cTake nothing except a staff,\u201d He was preparing His disciples not only for physical travel, but for a life of faith and dependence on God.<\/strong> The staff symbolized what was necessary; everything else would be provided.<\/p>\n
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.<\/strong><\/p>\n
May the Lord Jesus bless you and give you the courage to walk by faith.<\/strong><\/p>\n