Bible notes

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?