To read this text, CLICK HERE

Mark 3:13-19, Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve[a] that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.  These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter),  James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot  and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

In this chapter, we read more about the beginning stages of Jesus’ ministry.  He is already upsetting people by his unconventional way of doing things.  He values people more than rules and he isn’t afraid to upset the establishment. 

In our focus verses for today, Jesus is calling his disciples.  I always find it amazing that these men left their day jobs and families to serve as apprentices of Jesus Christ.  There was definitely something unique about them.  While they were just regular men, they knew that following Jesus would call them to a higher purpose. 

The other really important aspect of this text is that Jesus called people at all.  Afterall, Jesus is God.  He didn’t need people to do the work of the Kingdom.  He could have taken care of it all quite nicely.  But he called them for their benefit.  Ministry is not a solo activity.  We are stronger together.  We are better together.  Jesus was setting up a system for how ministry could and should be done well after he ascended into heaven. 

We all need people with whom to do life and follow Jesus.  Who are your people?  Can’t think of someone?  It just may be time to start in a connect group!!!  Ministry and church were never intended to be done alone. 

Let’s pray…Bind us together, Lord, with cords that cannot be broken.  Please, Lord Jesus, put people in our lives who can support us, guide us, and with whom we can walk side by side as we do your work in this world.  Amen.