The Calling of the Twelve
Following the Servant
Mark 3:7-19
In contrast to the rejection by the religious leaders, Mark describes how people came from all directions to see Jesus. From among the hundreds who followed Jesus, He chose twelve. As we learn about these disciples, we can be encouraged that if God can use them, He can use us as well. God’s grace means that no one is disqualified from being His disciple. When we’re aware of our inability to merit God’s favor, we’re in the best place to realize what God can do for us and through us.
1. Jesus’ personal (vv. 7-9)
“What if He knows prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God’s idea of prayer be the supplying of our great, our endless need—the need of Himself? What if the good of all our smaller and lower needs lies in this, that they help to drive us to God? Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other needs; prayer is the beginning of that communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer. Our wants are for the sake of our coming into communion with God, our eternal need.” -George MacDonald
It’s fine to pray for physical issues, but God also wants our prayers to be prayer.
2. Jesus’ power and (vv. 10-12)
Mark 6:56
Don’t want to give to the devil
John 6:60-69
Matthew 7:21-23
1 John 4:4
2 Corinthians 11:14
Acts 16:16-18
3. Jesus the Twelve (vv. 13-19)
Acts 4:13
In each list, the names are organized into the same three subgroups of four and the first group seems to be the most intimate with Jesus.
Group 1: Peter and Andrew, James and John
Group 2: Philip, Nathanial, Matthew and Thomas
Group 3: James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot (who is replaced by Matthias in Acts 1:26).
Simon Peter is always NAMED FIRST.
It seems Jesus named him what He wanted him to .
James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus gave them the nickname, “Sons of Thunder,” in other words, “HOTHEADS.”
Andrew – The few times Andrew is highlighted in the Gospels, he’s often seen : Peter (John 1:41, 42), a boy with the five loaves and two fish (John 6:8-10), or a group of Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22).
Philip was the leader of the second group.
John 1:44
John 14:8
Bartholomew is also identified as Nathanial
John 1:45-47
Matthew was the former tax collector (Mark 2:14, 15) who wrote the opening Gospel.
Thomas is a doubter, but he was also very !
John 11:16
James the son of Alphaeus is also called James the Less.
Luke 24:10
Thaddaeus was also called Judas the son of James in Luke (Luke 6:16) or Judas “not Iscariot” in John (John 14:22).
Simon the Zealot was an anti-Roman revolutionary.
The fact they were both members of the Twelve is amazing – like the .
Judas Iscariot is always mentioned last in all the lists and his name always comes with the caveat that he was the one who betrayed Jesus.
John 6:70
Judas’ defection was part of God’s plan (see Acts 1:15–26).
the more impossible the situation, the more you must trust God to do what He wills – in His time and in His way.
Daily Meditations
Memory Verse: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:14
Monday
Read Mark 3:1-19. Evaluate the time alone you spend with God. How would you like it to change over these coming days?
Is there someone you’re discipling right now? Is there someone who’s discipling you?
Tuesday
Read Mark 3:1-19. How would you evaluate the requests you make to God?
How can you make your requests more kingdom centered?
Wednesday
Read Mark 3:1-19. Where do you see the biggest spiritual battle going on in your life?
Look up 1 John 4:4. How can you apply this verse to the spiritual battle you’re facing right now?
Thursday
Read Mark 3:1-19. Why is it amazing that Matthew (Levi) and Simon the Zealot served together under Christ?
Can you think of a modern day example of this?
Friday
Read Mark 3:1-19. What stands out to you about any of the other disciples? Any one disciple in particular?
Keeping in mind the deity of Christ and His omniscience and foreknowledge, why do you think He chose Judas Iscariot as one of His apostles?
Saturday
Read Mark 3:1-19. Which is more demanding, trying to please people or trying to please God?
Which is more tiring? More rewarding?