After reading Mark 6, I was wondering why Jesus said to his disciples to take nothing for their journey, save a staff only. The were told of things not to take; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, and not even a spare coat, so why was a staff important.

I was wondering how many of them even had a staff. In a lot (if not all) films portraying the life of Jesus the disciples don't have staffs (or swords, until one magically appears in the Garden of Gethsemane scene for Peter to use).

The main reason for taking a staff that I can think of is to cross a river. If you've ever tried to cross a waist-deep, fast flowing river them a staff is essential, although wearing a rucksack which contains items that can be damaged by water would usually mean that I'd look for a bridge to cross. An important safey tip is to not cross a deep river unless you really, really know what you're doing and have had special training.

Personally I find carrying a staff an extra burden, but in Bible times it was considered an important travel aid, and also was used to carry things (Numbers 13:23).

The first recorded use of a staff is in Genesis 32:10, and it is Jacob who is using a staff for this very purpose; to cross a river.

When Moses was telling people of how the first Passover was to be eaten he says it must be "with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand".

The other use is by shepherds, as the staff was the fore-runner of the shepherd's crook still used today. In addition so sheep it was also used to control other animals, and carried wherever they went. When David faced Goliath, it's often forgotten that he took a staff in addition to the sling. (1 Samuel 17:40)

There would have been different types of staff. We have a staff being used as a symbol of authority (Genesis 49:10), as a weapon (2 Samuel 23:21) and as an aid to the infirm (2 Samuel 3:29), in addition to a travel accessory.

Maybe the reason the disciples took a staff was recorded in Psalm 23:4; "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." It may have been to remind them that Jesus fullfilled all the above conditions;

• He was with them on their journey through life,
• He would help, guide and support them,
• He was their king, and carrying a symbol to show others would demonstrate this,
• And he was their defence and would protect them

We have to remember Jesus is our staff, and we can only walk towards his kingdom if we have it to hand.