Practical and Applicable Principles

In Mark 6:7-13, we see so many practical and applicable principles for discipleship as Jesus instructs His disciples and as the disciples fulfill His command. We can benefit from these practical and applicable principles as we follow Jesus today. Here a some of those principles that we looked at in depth in our study this past Sunday:

Partnership 
(“…send them out two by two…” Mark 6:7)
Serving Jesus is so much better when you’re serving Him with someone. Two is really better than one (see Ecclesiastes 4:9). In fact, two serving Jesus together is not just two—but three. The Lord is with you and a cord of three strands is not easily broken (see Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Power 
(“…power over unclean spirits…” Mark 6:7)
Did you know that you have power over unclean spirits in Jesus’ name? You do not need to fear the devil and fallen angels if you alway keep Jesus between you and him. James 4 tells us how—Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:7-8a).

Provision 
(“…take nothing for the journey except…” Mark 6:8)
Where God guides, God will provide. When we follow Jesus and His call on our life, He will provide all that we need to fulfill that calling. He will give us what’s necessary to go deeper in our relationship with Him. That doesn’t mean that life will always be pleasant, but it will be an adventure full of faith and learning and following Jesus.

Forsake Favoritism
(“…stay there till you depart from that place…” Mark 6:10)
In first-century Judea, hospitality was a sacred duty. As the disciples would enter a city, they would be approached by someone to stay with them. Jesus told His disciples to stay with whoever approaches them first—not to look for something bigger or better. The lesson here is to not show favoritism to other. Every person has value in the eyes of God because every person has been made in His image.

Walk in Wisdom 
(“…whoever will not receive you nor hear you…” Mark 6:11)
Just because all people have been made in the image of God does not mean that all people properly reflect the image of God. When we love, we can also walk in wisdom. We can see value in all of humanity, but also understand human’s capacity for evil and harm.

Go!
(“…they went out…” Mark 6:12)
You can’t just listen to God’s directions—you need to do them! The disciples didn’t stay put, they were obedient to go and do the Lord’s work the Lord’s way. They were faithful to fulfill the mission Jesus had tasked them with. Like the disciples, we can live out the mission that God has sent us to do for Him and His glory!