Change text size: A A A Change contrast: Normal Dark Light
Ezekiel 2.1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12.2-10; Mark 6.1-13

Bible notes

Notes on the lectionary readings

Adult & All Age

Bible notes

2 Corinthians 12.2-10; Mark 6.1-13

New Testament 2 Corinthians 12.2-10

Paul is struggling to establish his credentials with critics in the Corinthian Church, who boast of their spiritual experiences. Paul refers to the ecstatic visions that he received at his conversion, but modestly couches them as if to a third person. To underline this humility and to make this point to the Corinthians that he is a servant of Christ, and not elevating himself, he emphasises his weakness (v.5). He describes how a thorn in the flesh, which is not specified – it may be a physical ailment, or other handicap – continually reminds him of his utter dependence on God; and prevents him becoming conceited. He has prayed three times for this to be removed, but through prayer has come to accept God’s word to him: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (v.9).

Gospel  Mark 6.1-13

Jesus shows his humanity in that he too has difficulties and obstacles, which frustrate and limit his ministry. The lack of faith of those in Nazareth, including difficulties with his family, means that he can exercise little power and he has to contend with failure. Prophets are not always honoured by their family (Jeremiah11.21). The twelve (appointed and named in Mark 3.14f.) are sent out in twos to continue Jesus’ work. They proclaim repentance (6.10f.); cast out unclean spirits (v.7); and heal (v.13). In Mark, the word for journey connotes ‘way of discipleship’ and the instruction is to travel light (v.8). The staff is used for support and protection and is symbolic of authority (cf. Exodus 4.20). The instruction to take no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money, is an instruction to trust in both God and neighbour for provision and hospitality. Mark allows sandals in contrast to Matthew and Luke, but no change of clothes. In Acts 13.51, shaking the dust from your feet is a symbolic judgement against those rejecting missionaries. The wisdom to note is that rejection will happen, just as it has happened in Nazareth to Jesus, but when this happens to move swiftly on, and go to places where the message will bear fruit. Anointing people with oil for healing was a practice in the Early Church. The main activities of Jesus – proclamation, confronting evil, and healing – characterise the mission of the disciples. Disciples sent are called apostles.

Two by two

Following the footsteps  Week 5

Today’s passages underline the need for a deep sense of humility and dependence on God and one another to work with God’s power to bring signs of the incoming kingdom. We like to sense our giftedness and strength but often it is in the stretched limits of our weakness and vulnerability that we are most effective channels of God’s power as disciples. Paul would prefer to be relieved of the things that constrain him but comes to recognise them as a God-given means of depending on God, and not proclaiming himself. Jesus is limited by the unbelief of those he grew up with and reminds us that there will not be universal acceptance of the message of Jesus or ability to demonstrate everywhere signs of God at work among us. Jesus sends the disciples out together: we need each other to work for the kingdom. He sends them travelling lightly and dependent on others for their provision. He tells them to stay where the message is accepted, and to move swiftly on where it is not. Signs that the message is being accepted show themselves in the confrontation with evil, which today might be shown as working for justice and people receiving healing and wholeness in transformed lives. An important element in learning how to be a disciple is being an apprentice, sent to learn by doing, especially in tasks beyond our comfort zone, where we have to depend on resources beyond our own.

Q How confident are we as disciples today in the task to which we have been called?

Q Why is the giving, receiving and rejecting of hospitality so central to mission?

See more

Children & Young People

Bible Study on Mark 6.1-13

For Adults and Young People

  • Beforehand, read Mark 6.1-13. Read and print out a copy of the Bible study sheet for each group member. Click here for additional Bible notes.
  • In the session, read the Bible passage together, look at the Bible notes and Make connections sections. Use this conversation spark to provoke first reactions from the group: ‘I am more confident in facing a new situation if I have someone with me.’ Do you agree?
  • For the young people to work on the Explore section you will need to give them a copy of the reading and a pen so they can work in pairs to discover what it might reveal to them. 
  • End with the Live in faith and Send out prayer items for the week.

Young people

  • Encourage the group to respond to their discussion using one of the respond activities in the CYP Respond to the Word section. There is a specific activity for Young People which you may like to look at first.
See more
General information and website help
020 3887 8916
Roots for Churches Ltd
86 Tavistock Place
WC1H 9RT
Registered Charity No. 1097466. Registered Company No. 04346069. Registered in England.
Subscription services
020 3887 8916
Roots for Churches Ltd
Unit 12, Branbridges Industrial Estate,
East Peckham TN12 5HF
Stay in touch
The ROOTS ecumenical partnership
Bringing together Churches and other Christian organisations since 2002
© Copyright 2002-2024, Roots for Churches Ltd. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 2040-4832 and 2635-280X; Online ISSN: 2635-2818.
This resource is taken from www.rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © 2002-2024 ROOTS for Churches.