He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples are instructed to take "nothing for their journey except a staff," which highlights a profound trust in God's provision. This isn't just about practical packing; it's about demonstrating complete dependence on divine care, signifying that their mission's success hinges on Him, not their own resources.
He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples in pairs, giving them authority over evil spirits. He instructs them to travel light, taking only a staff and relying on God for provision, a stark contrast to the usual preparations for a journey. This mission is presented as a specific, temporary assignment to expedite their preaching and witness throughout the surrounding villages.
Imagine setting out on a journey with absolutely nothing but the clothes on your back and a single stick. Jesus's instructions here are radical. What's the big idea behind this 'traveling light' command?
Stripped Down for the Mission
When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, he gave them some pretty intense instructions: "take nothing for your journey, save a staff only—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts." This wasn't just about packing light; it was a profound lesson in absolute reliance on God's provision.
This wasn't a command for all future missionaries, but for this specific, short-term mission. It was designed to teach the disciples a powerful lesson about faith and to demonstrate to the people they met that their power and provision came directly from God, not from their own preparedness.
Ask a follow-up
The only thing they were allowed was a staff. But why a staff? Was it just for walking, or did it signify something more?
More Than Just a Walking Stick
The instruction to take "a staff only" stands out because it's the only permitted item. While commentators note some variation between the Gospels on whether any staff was allowed, the general consensus is that Mark emphasizes a simple walking stick.
This single permitted item highlights the fine line Jesus walked: complete dependence on God, yet entrusting them with His authority to perform miracles and preach His message.
Why did Jesus insist they carry so little? It wasn't just about logistics; it was about the urgency and nature of their message.
Freedom to Move and Proclaim
The command to take virtually nothing wasn't arbitrary. It was deeply connected to the purpose of the mission: to proclaim the Kingdom of God with urgency.
Understand the original words
parangellō · Greek Verb
An instruction, command, or solemn order given by an authority figure. It implies a sense of urgency and non-negotiable obedience.
This instruction to travel light emphasizes radical dependence on God and the urgency of their mission, contrasting with later missions where provisions were allowed.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve closest disciples to preach, heal, and cast out demons throughout Galilee. This marks a significant expansion of their ministry training.
c. AD 28
Disciples preach and heal in villages
The Twelve travel in pairs, relying entirely on God's provision and the hospitality of those they meet. They experience success in their ministry, spreading Jesus' message.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist is imprisoned
John the Baptist, who had recently rebuked Herod Antipas for his illicit marriage, is imprisoned. This event likely occurs around the same time as the disciples' mission.
c. AD 28
Herod hears about Jesus' ministry
News of Jesus' powerful miracles and teachings reaches King Herod Antipas, who is disturbed by the reports, fearing John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem
Following the mission of the Twelve and the Seventy, Jesus begins his final journey towards Jerusalem, knowing his persecution and crucifixion await him there.
This passage is a direct parallel, also detailing Jesus' instructions to his disciples on what not to take for their journey, emphasizing a similar reliance on divine provision over material goods.
Luke 9:3This parallel account highlights the same core message of minimal provision, underscoring the disciples' dependence on God and the hospitality of others for their mission's success.
1 Kings 17:13-16This Old Testament story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath illustrates a similar principle of trusting God's provision in scarcity, where the widow is asked to give her last bit of food, and God blesses it abundantly.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb speaks to the importance of trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, a foundational principle behind Jesus' instruction to take nothing for the journey.
pooleMark 6:8: "And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:"
See Poole on "Mark 6:7"
barnesMark 6:8: "And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:"
See these verses fully explained in the notes at Matthew 10:9-15 . In Matthew 10:5 they were commanded not to go among the Gentiles or Samaritans. Mark omits that direction, perhaps, because he was writing for the "Gentiles," and the direction might create unnecessary difficulty or offence. Perhaps he omits it also because the command was given for a te…
The disciples are instructed to take "nothing for their journey except a staff," which highlights a profound trust in God's provision. This isn't just about practical packing; it's about demonstrating complete dependence on divine care, signifying that their mission's success hinges on Him, not their own resources.
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples in pairs, giving them authority over evil spirits. He instructs them to travel light, taking only a staff and relying on God for provision, a stark contrast to the usual preparations for a journey. This mission is presented as a specific, temporary assignment to expedite their preaching and witness throughout the surrounding villages.
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples in pairs, giving them authority over evil spirits. He instructs them to travel light, taking only a staff and relying on God for provision, a stark contrast to the usual preparations for a journey. This mission is presented as a specific, temporary assignment to expedite their preaching and witness throughout the surrounding villages.
"He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—" — The disciples are instructed to take "nothing for their journey except a staff," which highlights a profound trust in God's provision. This isn't just about practical packing; it's about demonstratin…
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Last reviewed October 2026