no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just telling them to travel light; he's fundamentally shifting their mindset from self-sufficiency to absolute reliance on God's provision through others. The phrase "the laborer deserves his food" isn't just about payment, but about the sacred exchange: they offer God's kingdom, and through God's leading, people will provide what they need.
no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on their first mission, commissioning them to preach the good news and heal the sick, but specifically within Israel. He's instructing them on how to travel and live during this mission, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision. The disciples are to expect hospitality and support from those who receive their message, rather than carrying their own provisions or extra gear.
Imagine Jesus telling you to go on a critical mission, but with no backpack, no extra clothes, and barely any gear. What would that feel like?
Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10:10 are radical. He tells the disciples to take 'no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff.' This wasn't about making their trip inconvenient; it was about stripping away anything that could distract them or suggest self-sufficiency.
The goal was to be completely unburdened, free from material worries, and fully focused on the urgent task of proclaiming the kingdom of God. This radical simplicity was a tangible expression of their trust in God's immediate care.
Why did Jesus link their lack of provision to the idea that 'the laborer deserves his food'?
The second half of the verse provides the 'why' behind the disciples' stripped-down instructions: 'for the laborer deserves his food.' This isn't just a casual remark; it's a theological principle Jesus applies directly to their mission.
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Understand the original words
ergates · Greek Noun
Refers to the one who works, particularly in the context of ministry or service for the kingdom. It implies that those dedicated to the work of the gospel are worthy of support.
This instruction emphasizes radical dependence on God's providence and the generosity of people, a core principle for early itinerant ministry that required immense trust.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples on a specific mission to preach the good news and perform miracles in Israel. He gives them precise instructions on how to travel and minister.
c. 30 AD
The Twelve Apostles' Mission
The apostles carry out Jesus' commission, likely traveling in small groups throughout Judea and Galilee, relying on hospitality for their needs.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry Continues
Jesus continues his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering more followers, while the apostles share their experiences from their mission.
c. 30-33 AD
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles
A document, possibly compiled around this time or shortly after, offers practical guidance for Christian travelers and teachers, echoing some of Jesus' instructions on provision.
This passage presents a similar instruction from Jesus to his disciples about traveling light, emphasizing reliance on God's provision rather than their own preparations.
1 Corinthians 9:14This verse directly quotes and applies the principle Jesus states here, affirming that those who proclaim the Gospel should receive their livelihood from it, reinforcing the idea of the laborer's worthiness.
1 Timothy 5:18This passage also references the 'laborer is worthy of his hire' principle, showing how this ancient teaching was understood to support the ongoing needs of church leaders and ministers.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's reflection on contentment in all circumstances echoes the spirit of radical trust in God's provision, even when facing hardship or lacking typical comforts, similar to the disciples' mission.
barnesMatthew 10:10: "Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."
Nor scrip - That is, knapsack. This was made of skin or coarse cloth, to carry provisions in. It was commonly hung around the neck. Neither two coats - See the notes at Matthew 5:40. Neither shoes - The original is the word commonly rendered sandals. See the notes at Matthew 3:11. Mark says, in recording this discourse, "but be shod with sandals." Between him and…
clarkeMatthew 10:10: "Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."
Nor scrip for your journey - To carry provisions. This was called תורמיל tormil, by the rabbins; it was a leathern pouch hung about their necks, in which they put their victuals. This was properly, the shepherd's bag. Neither two coats, etc. - Nothing to encumber you. Nor yet staves - Ραβδον, a staff, as in the margin, but, instead of ραβδον, staff, which is the…
Jesus isn't just telling them to travel light; he's fundamentally shifting their mindset from self-sufficiency to absolute reliance on God's provision through others. The phrase "the laborer deserves his food" isn't just about payment, but about the sacred exchange: they offer God's kingdom, and through God's leading, people will provide what they need.
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on their first mission, commissioning them to preach the good news and heal the sick, but specifically within Israel. He's instructing them on how to travel and live during this mission, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision. The disciples are to expect hospitality and support from those who receive their message, rather than carrying their own provisions or extra gear.
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on their first mission, commissioning them to preach the good news and heal the sick, but specifically within Israel. He's instructing them on how to travel and live during this mission, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision. The disciples are to expect hospitality and support from those who receive their message, rather than carrying their own provisions or extra gear.
"no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food." — Jesus isn't just telling them to travel light; he's fundamentally shifting their mindset from self-sufficiency to absolute reliance on God's provision through others. The phrase "the laborer deserves…
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Last reviewed October 2026