Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.
- Mark 6:7
 
Yesterday, we looked at Jesus’ decision to send his disciples out two by two instead of as one big pack. But why didn’t he send them out singly or one at a time?
 
Traveling alone, they would cover twice as much ground. They wouldn’t have to negotiate where to go next or who to talk to (quick, simple decision-making!). They might even be received more easily by host families in the villages they visited.
 
Each disciple would also get twice as much experience. And there would be clearer accountability for an individual’s success or failure. What’s more, each disciple might rely more strongly on God for help, because God would be their only companion.
 
Why send these men out in pairs?
 
At every turn Jesus seems less concerned with efficiency than with health. He’s willing to see a ministry shrink in response to truth-telling. He’s willing to slow down in order to mentor. He’s willing to cover less ground in order to give people a better experience.
 
From the very beginning, God made us to be in relationship with each other, saying that “it isn’t good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). The scriptures are filled with praise for friendship, the blessing of wise counselors, and the need for community. Jesus never ignores the humanity of his disciples when he calls them to mission.
 
On top of all of this, the disciples also need protection from the twin enemies that confront everyone who attempt to advance the kingdom of God: glory-seeking and toxic blame. Alone, they would be perilously susceptible to both.
 
What would happen if they returned after their journey with good reports? It would be all too easy to take all too much credit. Others may look up to the “successful” apostles. They may become much-sought-after experts and cease to be much-devoted disciples of Jesus. With disciples of their own, they might lose their connection with Jesus. One partner would give them a clean option to share credit.
 
And what would happen if they returned with only reports of rejection? They might hang their heads in shame. They might label themselves as failures despite their faithfulness. They might flinch from future calls to mission. But a partner might point out where they showed courage or honor or insight, despite the sad result.
 
The presence of a companion (and it only takes one) protects from both of these enemies (at least in part). We need to be “together” in our pursuit of the “better.”
 
Who has God placed in your life? In what ways do they support and protect you?