Mark 6:7-13
Lead in: In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends the twelve out on their first mission. In this passage, Jesus can be likened to a coach giving
instructions to his team before they take to the field. “Your equipment provides you with all the protection you need. You are the equipment. You have everything you need to deal with the opposition. Keep it simple out there. When someone takes a cheap shot at you, don’t react. Shake it off. Play with urgency and passion and you’ll send your opponent packing.” And that’s how it happened. The apostles came back winners. They had learned to believe in themselves and what their coach had taught them.
Prompt: What do you find inspiring about this story?
Lead in: “Jesus summoned the twelve and sent them out two by two.” (Mark 6:7) Proverbial wisdom says there’s strength in numbers. Jesus intuitively knew this. The challenges of the journey are
better traveled with a companion.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you caught yourself without the support you needed to stay the course on your faith journey.
Prompt: Where do you find the support that you need to stay the course on your faith journey?
Lead in: Jesus warns the disciples, “Whatever place does not welcome you or does not listen to you, shake the dust off your feet.” (Mark 6:11) Jesus’ warning to his disciples makes it clear that not all are going to welcome them.
Prompt: Have you ever had a “shake the dust from your feet” experience? What did you learn from that?
Lead in: In Amos 7, in no uncertain terms, Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, told Amos to hit the road. In other words, “Go back to where you came from. You’re not wanted around here.” But Amos stands his ground, “True, I’m not a prophet by trade. I’m a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. But the Lord told me, ‘Go prophesy to my people Israel,’ and to this I will be faithful.”
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you were called on to do something for which you had no prior experience and was way out of your comfort zone. How did God provide for you?
Lead in: Ephesians 1:3-10 is Paul’s song of praise for the good things God has done for his people. It is similar to the Magnificat in Luke 2, Mary’s hymn of praise for the good things God has done for her.
Prompt: What would be your hymn of praise for the good things God has done for you?
