Adult Object Lesson for July 8: Go 2×2 and Travel Light!
Mark 6:1-13 reveals the part of mission work with which we are all fear: REJECTION.
The passage begins with Jesus receiving criticism from those who knew him best, his neighbors. Jesus was not unaffected. He had a hard time doing more than a few healing miracles among his own people. It ends with Jesus sending the disciples out into the same hostile world. They are to go 2×2. They are to carry nothing but a walking stick.
The plan is not very inviting. Few today would accept such a call. It would be considered economically unfeasible.
Use a small suitcase or sports bag. Pack it with a few travel essentials: razor/toiletries, extra set of clothes, bottle of water, a couple of power bars, a wallet with money.
Talk about going on a mission trip. Read Jesus instructions from verses 8 and 9.
Slowly unpack the suitcase or duffel as you read the list of forbidden items from scripture. Soon your bag will be empty.
Talk about Jesus sending the disciples out to do his work with nothing but a staff to lean on. Ask church members why He might have taken this approach. What would be the benefits or impediments? Give them time to think about this.
Finish the sermon by latching or zipping up the empty bag and taking a quick walk around the sanctuary greeting a few people with a paraphrase of the scripture verse from the accompanying Epistle lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10.
- God’s grace is sufficient.
- In our weakness we are made strong.
- Be content with hardship for Christ’s sake.