Mark 6:7-9 - He gave them authority

6:7

Jesus then called the twelve to Himself and sent them out in pairs. It was normal for messengers to go in pairs. On reason was so that two witnesses were needed to establish a fact, and the other reason was one of safety. Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits. So His disciples had the authority to cast out demons. Matthew also tells them that He gave them authority “to heal every disease and affliction” (Matt 10:1). So they had authority to do the very things that Jesus was doing. There can be arguments over the place of healings and miracles today, but this verse shows quite clearly that it is possible for God to give men and women the same power that Jesus had in these matters, or pretty much the same power, but we should also note that it was Jesus who gave them this authority.

6:8,9

As well as being used to help with walking, a staff could also be used to fend off robbers, snakes and other animals. They were to travel simply, not opulently. There are some well known “evangelists” who would do well to take a similar message to heart! We are to bring the gospel of the kingdom of God to the world, the most important and powerful message ever heard, but we are not to big ourselves up in anyway, or get full of any self-importance.