The Appointing of the Apostles
Mark 3 begins with Jesus entering a synagogue and healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, one of His famous Sabbath healings. A great irony is found in these texts (Mark 3:1-12): the rulers sought how they might kill Him, while great multitudes of people flocked after Him. One group feared His power; another coveted to be blessed and benefited by it.
Read Mark 3:13-18. What was happening here? See also Luke 6:12-16.
From both accounts, it seems that at some point Jesus got away from the great multitude that followed Him, taking with Him a select group of disciples. From among this group of disciples, He then picked out twelve to do the work of apostles.
For this task, Jesus chose the ones He wanted. This implies, as we have seen, that the initiative resides with Him. He extends the call; we respond. This means that we must be available for service, in whatever capacity we are called to serve in.
How do disciples and apostles differ? Disciples were learners. They followed a master to study with that master. The term apostle comes from two Greek words apo and stello, implying "to send from." An apostle was an ambassador or emissary sent to represent a master or a kingdom. While both a disciple and an apostle are students, an apostle received additional training to be sent forth as a representative of the master or organization.
Jesus appointed the twelve so that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach. Matthew says that, He "gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness" (Matt. 10:1, NIV). It appears He chose them to provide trained workers to assist in caring for the large throngs that flocked wherever He went (adapted from The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 322).
How content are you with the work that you are doing for the Lord? Should you be doing more? Could you be doing more? What is holding you back? In most cases, is it not your own pride and selfishness?
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