Definition: And commanded them that they should take nothing for [their] journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark. It’s a really important and fascinating story about Jesus and his disciples! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus is telling the disciples to prepare for a long journey without any extra possessions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And commanded them…” : This tells us Jesus is giving instructions. He’s setting a rule or guideline. “…that they should take nothing for [their] journey…” : This means they shouldn't bring any extra things with them – no money, food, tools, or anything else that might be useful during their travels. It’s about being bare and stripped down. “save a staff only…” : This is the key detail. They are allowed to have a simple walking stick or pole. It's not a big deal – it’s enough for support and guidance. “…no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse:” This is where it gets really significant. They’re prohibited from carrying: A Scrip: A scrip was a small piece of parchment used for taxes and payment. By not bringing these items, they were essentially saying they wouldn't be paying taxes or providing for themselves during their travels. Bread: Food is essential for survival! Money: Money could be used to buy things, which would make it harder to survive. Why was this instruction given? This is a powerful message about Jesus’s intentions: To Test Them: Jesus is testing the disciples' faith and commitment. He wants to see if they’re willing to sacrifice for him and his purpose. To Focus on the Spiritual: It emphasizes that the real journey is not about material things but about spiritual growth and following Jesus. To Demonstrate His Authority: By setting this rule, Jesus is showing that He has control over their lives and that He's willing to make difficult choices for them. In short, Jesus is telling his disciples to be humble and focused on the spiritual journey ahead, without being weighed down by possessions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like faith, sacrifice, or humility)?