He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach Mark 3:14 NABRE
Jesus goes up a mountain to initiate a special event, calling those He wanted to join Him. Jesus appoints twelve, whom He calls apostles. Twelve are chosen which mimics the sons of Jacob who become the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus is establishing a new leadership for a new Israel whom He will send to carry the mission He is initiating. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry He knows He will have to leave others in charge to take His message to the ends of the world. Jesus calls twelve special men though we are not aware of His reason. Others will follow Jesus called disciples, but these twelve are especially chosen and Mark shares their names. The call to be a disciple is universal, an invitation to follow Jesus, but the apostles are a specific group chosen from the disciples. Apostle means “one sent out”, an authorized envoy for the one who sends them, in this case Jesus. Jesus describes their duties; that they may be with Him and to be sent forth to preach. The apostles first task is to have a close personal fellowship with Jesus. This intimacy will allow effectiveness, they can see all Jesus does and receive His authority to do the same things. Secondly, the apostles are sent forth by Jesus entrusted with the same mission as Jesus; to preach and drive out demons. Much is delegated from Jesus to the apostles and they know they have a great responsibility. However, they do not pick up His mission until after His resurrection and ascension.
To be chosen by Jesus is special. We may think we are choosing Jesus, but in fact Jesus calls us. However we are introduced to Jesus we eventually become disciples through God’s grace.
Do you feel called by Jesus? What are you doing with your calling?
To be chosen by Jesus is special. We may think we are choosing Jesus, but in fact Jesus calls us. However we are introduced to Jesus we eventually become disciples through God's grace. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #apostle #sent #Mark #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways