What Were They Told to Take on Their Journey?
Introduction
When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, heal, and spread the message of the Kingdom of God, He gave them very specific instructions about what they were allowed to take with them. These instructions were not just practical guidelines but also carried deep spiritual meaning. The question, “What were they told to take on their journey?” refers mainly to the missionary journeys of the disciples as recorded in the Gospels such as Mark 6, Matthew 10, and Luke 9.
Jesus’ instructions emphasized simplicity, dependence on God, and trust in divine provision rather than material security.
The Core Instruction: Travel Light and Trust God
In all Gospel accounts, Jesus’ message is clear: the disciples were to take very little or almost nothing for their journey.
Key Items They Were Allowed or Told to Take:
- A walking staff (in some accounts)
- Sandals for their feet (in some accounts)
- One tunic (basic clothing)
- Faith and the message of the Gospel (spiritually essential)
However, the emphasis is more on what they were not to take than what they were allowed.
What They Were NOT Allowed to Take
Jesus placed strong restrictions on their travel belongings to teach dependence on God and hospitality from others.
1. No Bread or Food Supplies
The disciples were told not to carry extra food. This meant they had to rely on:
- The generosity of people they ministered to
- God’s provision through daily circumstances
2. No Bag or Sack for Extra Items
They were not allowed to take:
- Travel bags
- Storage sacks
- Extra supplies
This symbolized leaving behind self-reliance.
3. No Money in Their Belts
In biblical times, people carried money in belts or pouches. Jesus instructed them:
- Do not take money
- Do not depend on financial security
This taught them complete trust in God’s provision.
4. No Extra Tunic (Clothing)
They were told not to carry additional clothing. This meant:
- No spare garments
- No preparation for luxury or comfort
They were to remain focused on their mission, not personal comfort.
5. No Excess Staff (in some accounts)
There is a slight difference between Gospel accounts:
- Mark 6:8 allows a staff
- Matthew 10:10 and Luke 9:3 say no staff
The general message remains the same: avoid dependence on equipment or worldly support systems.
Why Did Jesus Give These Instructions?
Jesus’ command was not random. It had deep spiritual and practical meaning.
1. To Teach Dependence on God
The disciples had to trust:
- God for food
- God for shelter
- God for protection
This built spiritual maturity and faith.
2. To Encourage Hospitality
By carrying nothing, the disciples depended on:
- People who welcomed their message
- Local households that supported them
This strengthened community bonds and trust.
3. To Remove Distractions
Without extra belongings:
- They focused fully on preaching
- They avoided material concerns
- They traveled more freely and quickly
4. To Show Urgency of the Mission
The simplicity of travel highlighted that:
- The message was urgent
- There was no time for comfort or delay
Spiritual Lessons from Their Instructions
The command to take almost nothing is still meaningful today. It carries several spiritual lessons for believers.
1. Faith Over Fear
Jesus wanted His disciples to:
- Trust God completely
- Avoid anxiety about survival
- Rely on divine provision
2. Simplicity in Life
The journey reflects a life principle:
- Less dependence on material things
- More focus on spiritual purpose
- Freedom from unnecessary burdens
3. God Provides Through People
The disciples learned that:
- God often works through human generosity
- Ministry is supported by community
- Receiving help is part of faith
4. Focus on Mission, Not Possessions
Carrying fewer items meant:
- Greater focus on preaching
- Less distraction from physical needs
- A clearer sense of purpose
Differences in Gospel Accounts
Different Gospels record slightly different instructions:
Mark’s Account (Mark 6:8–9)
- Take a staff
- Wear sandals
- No bread, no bag, no money
- One tunic only
Luke’s Account (Luke 9:3)
- Take nothing for the journey
- No staff, no bag, no bread, no money
- No extra tunic
Matthew’s Account (Matthew 10:9–10)
- No gold, silver, or copper
- No bag for the journey
- No extra tunic or sandals in excess
Despite minor differences, all accounts agree on one central message: absolute dependence on God.
Practical Meaning for Today
Even though this instruction was given to the original disciples, it still carries modern relevance.
Modern Applications:
- Trust God in daily needs
- Avoid excessive attachment to possessions
- Focus on purpose over comfort
- Live with simplicity and gratitude
- Be open to receiving and giving help
Conclusion
So, what were they told to take on their journey? The disciples were instructed to take only the most basic necessities—sometimes just sandals, a staff, and one tunic—while leaving behind food, money, extra clothing, and all forms of material security.
The purpose of this command was not hardship for its own sake but spiritual training. Jesus was teaching them to trust God completely, rely on His provision, and focus entirely on their mission of spreading the Gospel.