Jesus sends out the apostles on a trial mission, with very specific instructions. To begin, they are to travel two by two. Having a companion adds a sense of protection and support, but also adds an element of accountability. The disciples are also not to take with them food, money, or other supplies. In our contemporary cultural context, travelling so lightly might seem irresponsible. But the disciples are to rely on the hospitality code of their culture, whereby people were expected to receive travelers into their homes and provide for their needs.
Not traveling with money and possessions also puts the apostles into the lowest social hierarchy of their society, which ensures that they are to be received not because of their status or their resources but because of what Christ had entrusted them to share -- the Good News of the Gospel and his healing grace. They can offer no payment or material gift to their hosts. But they preach repentance, helping people turn away from their sins and experience the transforming forgiveness of God.
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