Sent Forth Two by Two: Luke 9:1-6

In verse 1, the Savior calls the Twelve together. That would have been a wonderful meeting to observe. He probably taught them first about the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods and the various offices in the Priesthood. He would have then instructed them in the calling, duty, and authorities of the Holy Apostleship. He then would have ordained them to the office of apostle. What a powerful experience to be in the presence of the Son of God and have this sacred office be conferred upon you by Him personally.

In verses 2-6, He gives similar advice as we did in Mark 6. He sent them on missions to build the kingdom, to gain experience on how to preach and convert people, and to learn how to use the Priesthood to bless others. That is the same reason that He sends young men (and young women) on missions today. By traveling without purse or script, they learned to trust more on the Lord and allow Him to provide for them. From verse 6, it is clear that they were very successful, because they healed every where, meaning that many people had faith to be healed.

Sent Forth Two by Two: Mark 6:7-13

In verses 7-9, the Savior gives instructions to the Twelve and sends them forth. It is time for the Twelve to start to do the things that the Savior has taught them. He sent them forth two by two. This is an important concept. Missionaries are to go out two by two so that they can support, help, motivate, and encourage each other. He gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained them apostles so that they could have the power, not only to heal people, but also to have power over unclean or evil spirits. Then the Savior instructs them that they are to go without purse or script. This is a test of their faith, but it will show them that Heavenly Father will provide for them. Heavenly Father and the Lord care for Their servants. They will feed, provide clothing, and shelter Their servants.

In verses 10 and 11, the Savior gives more counsel for the missions of the Twelve. When they find a family that will accept them and house them, stay with that family until you depart from that area. Do not be constantly moving and looking for better places. More counsel comes in verse 11, where the Lord directs the missionaries to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against the those who do not receive them nor hear them. The consequences of that action are enormous. It will be more tolerable for tolerable for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment than those of that city or village. That is a scary statement.

In verses 12 and 13 the Savior states that they went out and preached that men should repent. Repentance is the first and foremost message of the Savior's Gospel. And then the Savior states that the Twelve went out and anointed many that sick with oil and healed them. The ordinance of anointing with oil is the same today as it was in the time of the Savior. The results are also the same. Many were healed. The Savior focused one the most important message and the results.