The concept of "Instructions for the Mission" in the Bible primarily refers to the directives given by Jesus Christ to His disciples as they were sent out to preach the Gospel and minister to the people. These instructions are pivotal in understanding the early Christian mission and the principles that underpin evangelistic efforts.

The Sending of the Twelve Apostles

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus provides detailed instructions to the Twelve Apostles as He sends them out. Matthew 10:5-15 records these directives, emphasizing the focus on the "lost sheep of Israel" (v. 6). Jesus instructs them to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is near" (v. 7), and to perform acts of healing, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons (v. 8). The apostles are to rely on God's provision, taking no gold, silver, or copper for their belts, no bag for the road, and no extra tunic, sandals, or staff (v. 9-10). They are to seek out worthy individuals in each town and stay with them, offering peace to their hosts (v. 11-13). If any town or home does not receive them, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them (v. 14).

The Sending of the Seventy-Two

In Luke 10:1-12 , Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. The instructions here echo those given to the Twelve, with an emphasis on the urgency and the plentiful harvest but few laborers (v. 2). Jesus warns them of the dangers, sending them out "like lambs among wolves" (v. 3). They are to carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals, and are to greet no one along the road (v. 4). Upon entering a house, they are to offer peace, and if a person of peace is there, their peace will rest on them (v. 5-6). They are to eat and drink what is offered, for "the worker is worthy of his wages" (v. 7). In towns that welcome them, they are to heal the sick and proclaim, "The kingdom of God is near you" (v. 9). If a town rejects them, they are to declare that even the dust of the town that clings to their feet is wiped off as a warning (v. 10-11).

Principles of the Mission

The instructions for the mission highlight several key principles:

1. Dependence on God: The disciples are to rely on God's provision and the hospitality of others, demonstrating faith in God's care and the community's support.

2. Urgency and Focus: The mission is urgent, with a focus on proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom. The disciples are to prioritize their task over social conventions and distractions.

3. Peace and Judgment: The offer of peace is central to their mission, but there is also a clear message of judgment for those who reject the message. The act of shaking off dust symbolizes the seriousness of rejecting God's kingdom.

4. Authority and Power: The disciples are endowed with authority to perform miracles, signifying the divine power accompanying their message and authenticating their mission.

5. Community and Worthiness: The mission is communal, with the disciples instructed to find and stay with those who are receptive and worthy, fostering relationships and community support.

These instructions serve as a foundational model for Christian mission work, emphasizing reliance on divine provision, the urgency of the Gospel message, and the balance of peace and judgment in evangelistic efforts.