Sunday 08 July 2012

Background

Jesus shows his humanity, in that like us he had difficultiesand obstacles which frustrated and limited what he could do amongthose he grew up with in his home town of Nazareth. These peoplecould only see him as the local and ordinary carpenter, son ofMary. Prophets are not always honoured by their family (Jeremiah 11:21). Why is he so 'up' himself?

The twelve disciples (appointed and named in Mark3:14-19) were sent out in pairs to continue Jesus' work. Theyare no longer simply disciples, followers of Jesus, but arebecoming apostles, sent and commissioned with a special purpose.They proclaim repentance (verses 10-12); cast out unclean spirits(verse 7) and heal (verse 13). On their journey, they must travellight (verse 8). The staff is used for support and protection andis symbolic of authority (Exodus4:20). Take no bread, beggar's bag or money are instructions totrust in both God and neighbour for provision and hospitality.Jesus warns them to expect rejection in some places, but they areto "shake off the dust" (v. 11) on their feet and continue on,taking the rejection lightly.

The passage suggests the need for a deep sense of humility anddependence on God and other people to work with God's power andmake visible signs of God's kingdom of love and justice. We like tosense our giftedness and strength, but often it is in the stretchedlimits of our weakness and vulnerability that we are most effectivechannels of God's power as disciples (and apostles). The resourceswe need are to hand, but we have to have the eyes to see them, earsto hear what to do, the humility to ask and depend on God andothers. Importantly, to take risks for God's kingdom, we must learnnot to be afraid of making mistakes and failing.

To Ponder

• It is tempting to want a bank of resources to meet everyeventuality in our daily life. What qualities might form in us ifwe had to look beyond ourselves for some of these resources?

• Why do you think that God seems to have made us in such a waythat we need, not only to give to others, but also to depend onothers and receive from them? What does this do to the powerequation in our relationships?

• The first lesson in learning to ice skate is to fall down onthe ice and pick yourself up again. When you can stop being afraidof falling over, you can start to learn the moves to glide and jumpgracefully. From what fears do you need to be freed, in order torisk gliding over the ice for God?