Mark 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: And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
Mark 6:8 was given when Jesus sent the twelve out as His representatives, after they had accompanied Him on foot through Galilee, shared His toils and hardships, listened to His discourses, walked and talked with Him, and learned from His daily instruction and example how to work for the elevation of humanity. Before being sent they had already ministered with Him to vast multitudes by arranging the people, bringing the afflicted to Him, promoting the comfort of all, watching for interested hearers, explaining the Scriptures, and teaching what they had learned, and in this they had gained rich experience. Yet they still needed instruction and experience in laboring alone, with patience and tenderness.
He had prepared them by setting the truths of Scripture before them in contrast with the tradition and teaching of the priests and Pharisees, strengthening their confidence in God's word, and freeing them from fear of the rabbis and bondage to tradition. He sent them while He was still personally with them to point out their errors and to counsel and correct them, so that when separated from Him every look and tone and word would come back to them. Then they would repeat His words in conflict with the enemies of the gospel and rejoice at their effect on the people. The command to take nothing for the journey means they were sent out to preach without provisions and were to rely on the hospitality of the households they visited for food and a place to rest.