Sending Leaders

After months of intensive leadership training, it’s finally time for the twelve apprentices to be sent out on their own mission trip. Jesus had called these twelve for two reasons: first, so that they might be with him and grow closer to him, and second, so that he might send them out (Mark 3:14). So it's no surprise that Jesus is now sending them. It’s an exciting moment—yet no doubt terrifying too. How will they respond to the challenge? Where will Jesus send them? What will he say to them, and what will happen? Let’s take a look.

Questions from your reading

• Before this story, Matthew 9:35–38 gives a glimpse into Jesus’ heart. What was stirring in him?
• As the twelve listened to Jesus' instructions, what do you think they were feeling? What kinds of questions might they have had?
• What specific instructions did Jesus give before sending them out?
• What lessons do you think they learned from this mission trip?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Imagine Jesus waited until the night before to tell his disciples, “In the morning, I will send you out on a trip. Come ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Get a good night’s rest—you’ll need it.” It’s easy to imagine they didn’t sleep much, their minds racing with questions about what lay ahead.

At daybreak, they gather around a small fire, eating a simple breakfast. Jesus moves among them, embracing each one. He notes what they’ve packed and then quiets them down to speak. The moment has arrived—the promise from Mark 3:14 is about to be fulfilled.

Then Jesus surprises them. “First,” he says, “drop everything you packed for the journey in front of you. You won’t need it. Take nothing! You won’t need that staff, Peter. Leave that bag behind, John. James, that loaf of bread in your pocket can stay here. And Matthew, you won’t need your money. No extra tunics, Andrew. Just leave everything here. I’ll be praying for you. You’ll be like sheep among wolves—but you will see great things!”

Why would Jesus send them out without even the bare essentials? What could he be trying to teach?

He was teaching them dependence on the Father. Just as the Father had sent Jesus into the world, Jesus was now sending them—empty-handed, yet fully resourced through God’s provision. This wasn’t just about trusting for food and shelter. It was about trusting the Spirit of God to speak through them. Jesus had said,

“...do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matt. 10:19–20).

This was about faith. Jesus had already set expectations in Luke 6:20–22—blessed are the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the persecuted. Everything they were being told to leave behind was meant to align with those earlier lessons.

Jesus then gave instructions about how to approach towns and villages, where to go, how long to stay, and what to do if they were rejected. This mission trip was focused specifically on the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matt. 10:5–6). It wasn’t a global assignment just yet—this was local, within their own country, among people who looked, sounded, and lived like them. These were their own people. The cross-cultural trips would come later.

It was like a short-term mission guide for local outreach. And at its heart was one core lesson: total dependence on the Father.

Finally, Jesus paired them up and sent them out. How did he choose the pairs? Who went with whom? Did Peter draw Matthew? That would have been something! The emotions must have been running high as Jesus prayed over each pair and gave them specific directions. Twelve disciples, six teams—each walking into the unknown, yet walking with purpose. And as they left, what did Jesus do while they were gone for the next few weeks?

Applying what you’ve read

Have you ever taken part in a short-term mission trip within your own country? If not, it’s worth considering. This passage gives a powerful blueprint for it.

Why not organise a local mission experience with those you're discipling? It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated—just go out with the gospel and trust God to provide. Don’t worry about raising money. Don’t over-plan. Simply step out in faith among people who already share your language and culture. It’s the kind of challenge that can reshape your faith.

It may feel intimidating—that’s normal. It felt that way for the twelve, too.

Pray about it. Talk it through with those you're discipling. Then take a risk and set a date.