Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

Key verses: (4-7) Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Reflection: We are coming to the end of confirmation with our eighth grade class and our discussion moves to what next? We know we will follow Jesus the best that we can.  Jesus calls us to follow, provides encouragement and inspiration.  The eighth graders also know that it is hard.

Jesus lets us know that it is a hard journey. In this passage from Mark, Jesus gives advice for times when people turn their backs on you. There will be times when people are not ready to hear the good news.  Jesus knew we would get frustrated.  Listen to his advice: Don’t think you need fancy gadgets or the latest resources. You are all that God needs to help bring about the Kingdom.

We are to bring light into the darkness. We are to offer grace. We are to share the good news. We are to claim our role not just as children of God, but as disciples of the son of God who called us to follow.  Just like the disciples that Jesus commissioned in Mark, we too have been commissioned. Are you ready for the journey?

Prayer: With joyful urgency, I am following your son today. God, give me the courage and conviction of a bold disciple reaching out into the broken places of your world. Amen.

Author: Michelle Thomas-Bush

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].