Jesus was sending His trainee apostles out on a gospel mission without Him. They would not have the security of Jesus being beside them, ready to rescue them if anything went wrong. It was a real training exercise, ministering to real people, but also an essential preparation for their role as leaders of the church. Unlike military or political leaders, these men would have nothing in reserve. It was Jesus' deliberate plan.
 
The disciples were forbidden to take any money, luggage, spare clothing or footwear, or even buy a staff. Jesus was teaching the men that they could not rely on themselves, or their money; their only security and provision was to be found in the Lord. He would stir other people to offer the pairs of missioners (they were sent out in twos) food and accommodation wherever they went. They had to trust Jesus about this and leave all their reserves at home.
 
Going out on a mission without even the most basic supplies may seem foolish; but Jesus said it was wise, because He would arrange for every need to be supplied at the right time. He stopped the storm on the lake and fed five thousand people - so He could be trusted to protect and provide for His disciples.
 
How often do we feel nervous at the thought of insufficient money or other resources; even when we are serving the Lord? We like to know that we can handle every challenge; but the challenge of faith is to trust the Lord for all that we cannot see, and for everything that is too big for us. It seems that the Lord sometimes deliberately allows circumstances in which we have no choice but to trust Him. He is not being harsh or cruel. He is simply teaching us to enlarge our faith. Instead of saying we cannot do what He asks (because we think we are underequipped or feel inadequate), we learn to say 'yes' and trust Him to lead us safely through. We may have risen to the faith challenge before, but the tests get harder the further we go up in the school of faith! Nevertheless, trust Him again!