Mark 6:7 says He began to do this — sounds like a new phase in their discipleship. In fact, check out Luke 10 and Acts 1:1,2 (at least).

They were not to go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans. Later He broadened the scope of their commission (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).

“To preach the kingdom of God… preaching the gospel” (Luke 9:2,6)

“Preached that men should repent” (Mark 6:12)

“Repent” — the message of John the Baptist and of Jesus the Son. Now the message of the disciples.

Repentance (aka, a 180) is not enough.

• The sin being repented of cannot just be swept under the rug or “balanced out” with good deeds or something.
• Additionally, the repentance must be God-oriented and not just an amendment of ways.
• Remember: Judas repented — but it wasn’t of the useful sort
• John the Baptist hammered some “repenters” for not having fruits that matched their alleged repentance.

For this purpose He had called them (Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:14,15).

Do we know that Jesus ever did this in His earthly ministry? For sure Paul and Barnabas did (Acts 13:51). Compare that to Acts 18:6.

Here we have a glimpse into the heart of Jesus toward those who should have welcomed Him and received Him:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34).

“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes” (Luke 19:41,42).

I know it sounds like different degrees of punishment…and maybe that’s exactly what it means. Fact is, God does not explain this clearly to us. Whatever Jesus said and meant and will do is right and true — works for me.