Jesus, along with His chosen disciples, came to His hometown location…

He taught in its synagogue on the Sabbath, where He was met with offense from the people, rather than admiration.

Despite the wisdom He displayed, those who were there could only think of Him as the carpenter–Mary’s son…

who’d been raised there in Nazareth, with His brothers and sisters.  Those who thought higher of Him were almost none.

Jesus noted how His own household and relatives gave Him no honor, but doubted His God-given role.

He could do no mighty work there except to lay His hands on a few who were sick and healed them–always His goal.

Moving on to other villages to continue His work for God, His Father, He marveled at their unbelief.

Yet, He did move on, for He knew there would be others ahead who would be welcoming of His relief.

Expanding God’s ministry, He commissioned His twelve disciples, and sent them out two by two…

telling them that taking authority over unclean spirits was an assignment which they, also, could do.

They were to take only a walking stick, but no bread, traveling bag, or money for their journey ahead.

They could wear sandals but not take along a change of clothes.  They set out, heeding all He had said.

Jesus had also shared that when they entered a house they were to stay there until they were ready to depart.

And if any place would not receive them or listen to them, they should shake the dust from their feet and make a new start.

That would be a warning to that household, as they continued to journey on to share with others of the need to repent.  So the disciples cast out many demons and healed the sick, to whom they’d been sent.

P. A. Oltrogge

(the above was derived from Mark 6)

After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection:

“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’

“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:14-20

Jesus commissions us, as believers, today, too…

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