Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 2, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Mark. Today’s passage is Mark 3:7-19.
V7-12 Jesus withdrew from the town to the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. But thousands from all directions were now following along with Him. Many were bringing loved ones, those needy of all kinds of physical healing as well as those struggling with demonic oppression or possession.
The miracles of Jesus:
- Aroused curiosity about Jesus
- Displayed His power and authority
- Revealed His compassion
- Affirmed His identity as the Son of God
- Inspired worship
V12 tells us Jesus earnestly warned them not to reveal His identity. This was possibly about restricting the rapid growth of His popularity so as not to stir up too much notice by the Roman authorities on the ground at that time and in order that Jesus could visit more villages and towns before going back to Jerusalem to lay down His life on the cross for your sins and mine.
V13-19 tell us Jesus went up to a mountain, summoned and appointed His 12 disciples.
- Holy summons v13a “He summoned those whom He Himself wanted”
- Response of faith v13b “and they came to Him”
- Relational discipleship v14a “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him”
- Joining Christ on His mission in this world v14b-15 “that He might send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons.”
“As Jesus’ disciple, I am his apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life in the Kingdom of the Heavens as he would lead my life if he were I.”
– Dallas Willard
“The Church exists for those outside of itself. The Church must never be in any sense a little huddle of pious people, shutting their doors against the world, lost in prayer and praise, connoisseurs of preaching and liturgy, busy mutually congratulating themselves on the excellence of their Christian experience.”
– William Barclay
“Jesus commands us to make disciples, not just converts. Discipleship demands a total surrender of one’s identity, security, and being to the Lordship of Christ. Such surrender demands more than outward conformity to a religion; it must affect one’s inner being.”
– Joe M. Kapolyo, Africa Bible Commentary
“Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.”
– J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness
