Jesus Gives Responsibilities to His Disciples
October 4, 2021
Commentary
Jesus called His disciples to go up on a mountain with Him, and there He chose twelve apostles to be with Him and to preach (vv. 13–14). These were Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas (vv. 15–19). Jesus gave each man responsibility and purpose in His work, calling them personally and intentionally, setting them apart for His mis-sion and service, to follow Him faithfully and serve others with humble hearts each day.
Christianity began by bringing together very different men and teaching them to live in unity. By worldly standards, they had no special qualifications. They were not rich, educated, or power-ful. They were ordinary men. Yet they had two important quali-ties. First, they were drawn to Jesus and desired to follow Him. Second, they had the courage to stand with Him, even when it was difficult, choosing faith over comfort and trust over doubt, re-maining committed through trials, challenges, and opposition with steady hearts and obedience.
These men were not perfect, but they loved Jesus and were willing to show it. Their first calling was to be with Him, to learn and grow in His truth (v. 14). “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him.” Their next calling was to go out as His repre-sentatives, to preach and to cast out demons (vv. 14–15). “And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” The strength of their ministry came from spending time with Him, learning daily, and growing stronger in faith and obedience, being shaped by His presence, His teaching, and His example, depending on Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance each day. True minis-try flows from a close daily walk with Jesus.
Application
Do I seek Him before trying to serve others? Am I truly spending time with Jesus first? Am I willing to follow Him even when it is hard or uncomfortable? Do I trust Him to use my simple life for His purpose? Teach me to stay close to You, walk in obedience, and serve with a humble heart today. Help me to depend on You more.
Mark 3:13–19 (NET)
13 Now Jesus went up the mountain and called for those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve so that they would be with him and he could send them to preach 15 and to have authority to cast out demons. 16 To Simon he gave the name Peter; 17 to James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee, he gave the name Boanerges (that is, “sons of thunder”); 18 and Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
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