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Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus sends out the twelve apostles

Here is the account of Jesus sending out His twelve disciples to spread His message - to proclaim that people should repent. A few things to note here.

1. Jesus charged them not to take anything except a staff. Why?
- It is not to "act" poor, but to be humbled. Not to rely on their own material wealth, but to trust in God to provide.
- We see similar traits in many Christian organisations today, when we are expected to raise our own allowances. On one hand it teaches us to trust God's provision, on the other hand it gives others the opportunity to contribute to our ministry. Of course, this system can easily be misused for other purposes... But let's just think of the right and proper use of it.

2. He tells them if they are not received in any place, shake off the dust on their feet as a testimony against them.
- This phrase needs to be cross-referenced to Matthew 10. Jesus also tells them (albeit not recorded in Mark), that it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement - probably because Sodom and Gomorrah were not presented the message of Christ.

3. They went out proclaiming repentance, at the same time healing people and casting out demons.
- The message of repentance as the Gospel remains consistent throughout Mark.
- Why healing and casting out demons? The likely reason is that it is a demonstration of spiritual authority. Other than that, it is also one way to show love to people - like how we often send missionaries to less developed areas to help them in addition to bringing the Gospel to them.
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