Up to this point, Mark has been systematically introducing who Jesus is. The portrait we are seeing is someone of authority who is challenging the status quo which puts Him in conflict with the powers that be. He is changing the expectations of how a religious leader should act. At the same time, we also see a supernatural side of Christ as there is something different about Him versus your average guy on the street. Finally, since Jesus has crossed over into the Gentile districts, there could be some concerns that He might unite Jews and Gentiles into a revolutionary force against Rome.
As we read the text, there are three horizons to consider. First is what did Jesus say and do in context on that particular day and how would those hearing Him interpret it. Second is the remember that Mark is writing this to a Roman audience some 30 odd years later. We need to pay attention to how the story is framed to them so that they will be able to grasp it. Finally, we are here today trying to understand something that was written to a different group of people in an earlier time.
Mark 3:13 Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. 14He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. BSB
Mark 6:7 Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic. 10 And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.” 12So they set out and preached that the people should repent. 13 They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil. BSB
Jesus selected twelve disciples (note “the” before twelve in 6:7) and has given His authority to them. This number of disciples is significant because Christ is constituting a new covenantal community – the 24 thrones in Revelation represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles in order to encompass all of the peoples of God. In Jewish jurisprudence, there must be at least two witnesses so Jesus sends them out in pairs as they will be bearing witness.
This is a curious list – why go empty handed? One possibility is to increase their faith as they will have to depend upon God for the rest. The reference to “shake the dust” has to do with Sodom and Gomorrah as you don’t want any of that dirt on your sandals when the judgment comes and the fire and sulfur start raining down (see Genesis 19:24).
The obvious question is does this mean that they are giving up on a town (and its people) where they shake the dust off? In Genesis 6, right before Noah and the flood, God decides that the people are simply beyond redemption. In Romans 1, Paul talks about God giving people up to impurity as a result of their actions (and lack of action in terms of recognizing God). He goes on to tell us that their thoughts became futile, their hearts darkened and they exchanged the truth about God for a lie. In these instances, there was a hardening process that ultimately lead to people ignoring and/or divorcing themselves from God. God didn’t give up on them as much as they gave up on God. It sounds harsh but in a faith mission such as the one being conducted here, the thought is that no one should hear the Gospel twice when there are still people who haven’t heard it once.
There are many people today (and likely a similar number in the time of Jesus) who don’t see the need to repent. There is also a mistaken notion that repenting (changing your mind) is a one and done deal. Instead, it is threshold we cross over initially and from there we are gradually being reshaped (sanctification). We are constantly challenged and changed by our contact with the Word.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. BSB
In Luke’s Gospel, this story of the twelve is followed by Jesus sending out 70 people. In Exodus, when Moses is overwhelmed, he is told to call in some assistance which consists of 70 people. Also, the San Hedrin consists of 70 people. (Some of the texts have the figure as 72 people but most scholars use 70 since it ties back).
Some say this anointing with oil is medicinal (like the Good Samaritan) but here it appears to be more sacramental. It is more an outward sign of what is happening inside.
NET Mark 6:14 Now King Herod heard this, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised!” 17 For Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had repeatedly told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not 20 because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John. 21 But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23 He swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” 26 Although it grieved the king deeply, he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests. 27 So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. 28 He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
Between this story and the feeding of the five thousand, we get a flashback narrative about the death of John the Baptist. This is not Herod the Great as he dies about six years after the birth of Jesus. When he died, the kingdom was divided among his sons with this particular Herod being in charge of Galilee. As a Roman lackey, King Herod’s job is to keep order and suddenly this guy shows up who might foment a revolution.
The idea of resurrection is a core belief of most Jews although it is a little odd to talk about it as a current event in terms of John the Baptist since they expect it to happen on the last day. His story tells us that if we undertake the mission, there will be suffering (not to mention that faithfulness in these early days didn’t equate to longevity).