The Sending of the Disciples (Mark 6:7–13) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Summary

The sermon, based on Mark 6:7-13, describes Jesus sending out the twelve apostles two by two with authority over unclean spirits. They are commanded to travel light and depend on local hospitality. Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving His messengers, warning of severe judgment for those who reject them. The mission's purpose is to preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. The sermon also highlights the necessity of reverence and fear of God's judgment to drive people to seek salvation through Jesus.

Takeaways

• 📖 Jesus sends the twelve disciples out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.
• 🧳 Disciples are commanded to take nothing for the journey except a staff, no bag, bread, or money, emphasizing reliance on God's provision.
• 🏠 Disciples are instructed to stay in the first house that welcomes them until they leave that village.
• 🌍 Jesus highlights the principle of being sent out to testify and bear witness to the kingdom of God.
• 👥 The disciples' mission involved casting out demons, anointing the sick with oil, and preaching repentance.
• 📜 Jesus uses the authority given to the disciples to authenticate their mission and message.
• 👂 If a village does not receive the disciples, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them.
• ⚖️ Jesus emphasizes that rejecting the disciples and their message will result in severe judgment, worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• 🌌 The passage underscores the seriousness of the final judgment and the reality of God's wrath against unrepentant sin.
• 🙏 The sermon concludes with a prayer for an awakening fear of God and a call to repentance and faith in Jesus.

Q & A

What is the main scripture passage being discussed in the sermon?

The main scripture passage is Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus sends out the twelve apostles two by two.

Why did Jesus send the apostles out two by two instead of individually?

Jesus sent the apostles out two by two for companionship, partnership, and to fulfill the Old Testament principle of establishing truth through the testimony of two witnesses.

What instructions did Jesus give to the apostles regarding their journey?

Jesus instructed the apostles to take nothing for the journey except a staff, no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts, to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

What was the purpose of the miracles performed by the apostles?

The purpose of the miracles was to authenticate the apostles as agents of revelation and to demonstrate the authority and power given to them by Jesus.

What should the apostles do if a village does not receive them or listen to their message?

If a village does not receive them or listen to their message, the apostles are instructed to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against that village.

What does shaking off the dust under their feet symbolize?

Shaking off the dust under their feet symbolizes God's judgment and rejection of the village, similar to how Jews would shake off pagan dust when returning to Israel to avoid contamination.

How does Jesus describe the consequences for a village that rejects the apostles' message?

Jesus states that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for a village that rejects the apostles' message.

What was the primary message that the apostles preached?

The primary message that the apostles preached was that people should repent.

What role does the fear of God play in the sermon's message?

The sermon emphasizes that there is a lack of fear of God among people, and this fear is necessary to drive them to the cross and to seek salvation through Jesus.

What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Jesus and the apostles' authority?

The sermon suggests that the apostles' authority comes directly from Jesus, and rejecting the apostles is equivalent to rejecting Jesus and his authority.