- Jun 22, 2025
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There’s a claim being made in some circles today that "you can’t obey all of Jesus' commands" because some of His instructions contradict each other. The supposed “proof” comes from comparing verses like these:
> Mark 6:8 (KJV) — “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.”
Versus:
> Luke 22:36 (KJV) — “Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
At first glance, these might seem to contradict. But when rightly understood, they reveal something powerful—not about contradiction, but about the consistency of Christ and the nature of the Church’s mission.
---
1. Two Commands—Two Contexts
In Mark 6, Jesus sends the Twelve to minister in safe, familiar Jewish towns under divine protection and hospitality. They were not to rely on money but to be received as prophets.
But by Luke 22, the tide has turned. Jesus is preparing them for betrayal, rejection, and danger. He now instructs them to prepare materially—not because the gospel changed, but because the world’s hostility increased.
> Different instructions for different missions.
Same gospel.
Same King.
No contradiction.
---
2. Jesus Wasn’t Giving a Checklist—He Was Training Soldiers
These weren’t eternal “rules.” They were tactical commands for the circumstances. Jesus wasn’t changing truth—He was equipping His disciples for the coming storm.
And now we’re called to obey the whole counsel of His teaching—not cherry-pick what’s “still for today.”
> “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:20
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” — Matthew 24:35
---
3. Rightly Dividing Isn’t Silencing Christ
Yes, we must rightly divide the Word. But “rightly dividing” doesn’t mean throwing out Jesus' teachings or saying they only apply to Israel.
That’s not dividing truth—that’s dissecting the body of Christ.
Paul never said to ignore Jesus’ words. In fact:
> “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 14:37
And who is the Lord? Jesus.
---
4. Christ Is Not Divided
Jesus and Paul do not preach two separate gospels. There is one Lord, one gospel, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
> “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” — 1 Corinthians 1:13
Any teaching that says “Jesus’ words aren’t for the Church” is already out of line with the foundation laid by the apostles. It’s not clarity—it’s confusion.
---
Final Word
Jesus didn’t contradict Himself. He trained His people to walk in wisdom. He gave eternal commands and mission-based instructions. And we are called to obey both His words and His Spirit.
Don’t fall for the lie that Jesus’ commands are outdated, contradictory, or only for Jews. That’s not discernment—that’s deception.
> “Whosoever does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.” — 2 John 1:9
“Let God be true and every man a liar.” — Romans 3:4
Christ is not confused. His words stand forever. Obey Him. All of Him. Without apology.
> Mark 6:8 (KJV) — “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.”
Versus:
> Luke 22:36 (KJV) — “Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
At first glance, these might seem to contradict. But when rightly understood, they reveal something powerful—not about contradiction, but about the consistency of Christ and the nature of the Church’s mission.
---
1. Two Commands—Two Contexts
In Mark 6, Jesus sends the Twelve to minister in safe, familiar Jewish towns under divine protection and hospitality. They were not to rely on money but to be received as prophets.
But by Luke 22, the tide has turned. Jesus is preparing them for betrayal, rejection, and danger. He now instructs them to prepare materially—not because the gospel changed, but because the world’s hostility increased.
> Different instructions for different missions.
Same gospel.
Same King.
No contradiction.
---
2. Jesus Wasn’t Giving a Checklist—He Was Training Soldiers
These weren’t eternal “rules.” They were tactical commands for the circumstances. Jesus wasn’t changing truth—He was equipping His disciples for the coming storm.
And now we’re called to obey the whole counsel of His teaching—not cherry-pick what’s “still for today.”
> “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:20
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” — Matthew 24:35
---
3. Rightly Dividing Isn’t Silencing Christ
Yes, we must rightly divide the Word. But “rightly dividing” doesn’t mean throwing out Jesus' teachings or saying they only apply to Israel.
That’s not dividing truth—that’s dissecting the body of Christ.
Paul never said to ignore Jesus’ words. In fact:
> “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 14:37
And who is the Lord? Jesus.
---
4. Christ Is Not Divided
Jesus and Paul do not preach two separate gospels. There is one Lord, one gospel, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
> “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” — 1 Corinthians 1:13
Any teaching that says “Jesus’ words aren’t for the Church” is already out of line with the foundation laid by the apostles. It’s not clarity—it’s confusion.
---
Final WordJesus didn’t contradict Himself. He trained His people to walk in wisdom. He gave eternal commands and mission-based instructions. And we are called to obey both His words and His Spirit.
Don’t fall for the lie that Jesus’ commands are outdated, contradictory, or only for Jews. That’s not discernment—that’s deception.
> “Whosoever does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.” — 2 John 1:9
“Let God be true and every man a liar.” — Romans 3:4
Christ is not confused. His words stand forever. Obey Him. All of Him. Without apology.
