GOSPEL MEDITATION # 181

The Twelve Apostles

Mark 3:13-21

1. Find a quiet place without distractions.
2. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace.
3. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer.
4. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself.
5. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.
6. From memory, determine the central points.
7. What mountain Jesus ascended before He called the disciples to be apostles is not known but could be mount of the Sermon.
8. He “called to him” is a very key phrase. John 15:16 explains it also. On what basis is the call dependent? No one knows except that it is those who Jesus “desired.” It certainly was not based on skill, faithfulness, or grand future achievements.
9. Jesus appointed the twelve, which is like saying “ordained” them and carries the idea of ‘setting aside.’
10. Jesus named them “apostles” and this means ‘sent ones’ or missionaries. Their job was to proclaim the Gospel of the kingdom of God.
11. But before the commission of sending the twelve would be “with him.” This is first and foremost. They would be disciples or learners before they would be apostles.
12. Herein is the reason for the teaching ministry of the Church, that is to equip the Church for the work of ministry. (see Ephesians 4:11-16) This is why churches have Bible Studies, expositional sermons and the reason for Bible colleges and seminaries.
13. Jesus sends them to “PREACH” and along with it to cast out demons. The connection is not apparent on the surface, but those sent to preach know how vital is the work of casting out of demons. The devil attacks the Church’s sent ones.
14. The Twelve included Judas who betrayed Him. We will likely never understand why Jesus did this.
15. The Adversary attacked Jesus and the newly appointed Twelve immediately – overwhelmed by needy people.
16. Jesus’ family, probably including Mary, watching events, concluded their own was insane and made an attempt at an intervention. No one can grasp this stunning event.