Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:1-13 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 6He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. Verse 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Verse 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Verse 4Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." Verse 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. Verse 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. Verse 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Verse 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; Verse 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. Verse 10He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. Verse 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." Verse 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. Verse 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Devotion
We are called not only to be prophets but also to be missionaries. Jesus doesn’t do all this work by himself. He sent his first followers to share in his authority and mission. Now he sends us. No, this does not mean you must drop everything and head for Africa or the Pacific Islands. There is plenty of work to be done right here among the people we know who have never heard the story of Jesus. We can’t leave this work for others to do. Jesus sends us.
Today is Independence Day. Americans are quick to speak proudly of our nation and our history. We are reminded in this story that we have an even deeper loyalty to Jesus and his ministry. It is Jesus who makes freedom possible. Both Christ and country are important but they are not equal. Christ comes first.
Prayer
God of the universe, broaden our view beyond the limitations of national interest even as you teach us to see those who are close by. Bless this nation and give us a voice to speak Christ here where we live. In the name of Jesus for the sake of the world, Amen.