Duccio di Buoninsegna “Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee” (1308-1310). Christ sending out the disciples
July 2024 in the Gospel of Mark is all about discipleship and what disciples do (mission) and how they do it. For Sun, July 7. Mark 6:1-13- Jesus is rejected in his hometown after teaching in the synagogue, and he sends out the disciples two by two to spread the good news.
Here we find the family again: his mother, sisters, and brothers, James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, figures who later became prominent in the church. “And they took offense at him” Jesus was seen only as a carpenter. They were acting as a restraining force
Theologian William Loader describes the issue about Jesus going out on his own “Family was important. Households were the basis of the economy and usually the main source of income through agriculture or crafts and therefore of support for all family members, the young and the elderly. Firstborn sons, especially, had a duty once they reached marriageable age, around 30 those days, to marry and have children. That was the norm. Stability was important. Families were a key element in holding society together, keeping things the way they had always been, keeping the rich, rich, and the poor, poor. The family acted as one would have expected any responsible family to act.”
Jesus just left with his sense of mission. Keeping things the way they were was not part of it. We are not privy to the discussion he may have had with his family. Mark simply says “And he could do no deed of power there.”
According to Mark’s account, he sent his disciples out to do what he was doing (6:7-13). Bring healing, and liberate people from the powers that oppress them. Bring hope and restoration.
He offered suggestions on how to this -Travel light, be a guest, bring healing and shake off rejection. Travel light – focus on the mission as the church. Be a guest -Keep the message simple, listen and not just impose our solutions. Bring healing to those you encounter. Be an example from your experience. He learned to shake off rejection and he instructed the disciples to do the same. Move on – there is another town to get to! “The kingdom of God is at hand.”