Daily Worship

The Holy Shrug

Jock Stein April 18, 2026 1 0
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Mark 6: 6-13 (NIV-UK)

6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

8 These were his instructions: ‘Take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’

12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed with oil many people who were ill and healed them.

The first half of verse 6 reads, Jesus “was amazed at their unbelief”. A new situation follows — and what a response it is – not a ticking off, not even a dose of sound theology, but a mission, led by his twelve key followers.

In his own home, Jesus seems to have met with shrug after shrug. But how he shrugs off their unbelief – a holy shrug of determination to continue with his Father’s business. Normally a business requires resources, but Jesus tells his friends to cut down their resources to the bare minimum, and rely on those who welcome the kingdom of God for hospitality.

They are sent out ‘two by two’, for encouragement no doubt, but also so that different gifts might complement one another, and different temperaments support and challenge one another. The book of Ecclesiastes celebrates the benefits of two together, and adds “a threefold cord is not quickly broken,” which easily translates in today’s context into two disciples plus Jesus – the one who gives them authority. Authority for a ministry of healing. Christians understand this is different ways, but what is beyond doubt is God’s holy intention, the kingdom for which we pray:

  • Where sickness of mind and body is healed
  • Where evil is unmasked and banished
  • Where goodness and hospitality are valued
  • Where people turn to God

 

Pray the Lord's Prayer slowly and with great intention.

 

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever.

Amen.