1/28 Mark 6:8

⁸ He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff-no bread, no bag, no money in their belts . . .

Jesus was training His disciples to carry on after His ascension. He sent out the twelve in pairs. He gave them authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. They would be announcing to people that the kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 10:7). Though the disciples did not know it Yet the Kingdom would come on the Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus gave the disciples some strange instructions. They weren't to take any money or a change of clothes and they were to stay with anyone who would invite them into their homes. In another Gospel, Jesus explained that the laborer was worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7). They were to eat whatever their host provided.

Why would Jesus ask them to do this? I believe it was because it involved others in working for the Kingdom. Not only would those individuals who helped the disciples hear more about Jesus and His teaching, but by helping the disciples they would be laying up treasure in heaven. Jesus was looking out for the eternal good of those who received the disciples and at the same time teaching the disciples to live by faith. They had to trust God for their every need and expect God to supply it through those who were receptive to the gospel.

Consider: Whether we are those who are sent or those who are assisting them, God is concerned about our eternal good. His desire is for us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).