Our lesson today deals with the relationship between the gospel of Jesus Christ and the call to discipleship.  It teaches us that the object of everything that we do is Jesus Christ himself, and therefore we are forced to look at what Jesus is saying to us, what he wants us to do for him, his will for us, and how we can be true Christians today. 

This of course leads us to examine what people say the Word of Jesus is, and compare this with what Jesus himself said, for only then can we begin to learn whether we are following the true Jesus or a false Jesus. 

Very important also is our need to ask ourselves if we are living up to our full spiritual potential in the Spirit. Our new life in Christ will take time, training, and testing as Jesus lives his life through us. 

We will see how Jesus trained his disciples, and as they developed toward their full spiritual potential, he tested them.  Maybe we can learn from Jesus’ method and follow him to develop toward our full spiritual potential in becoming like him. 

Jesus had come and told his nation that they no longer had to wait for the coming of Messiah, for the time was fulfilled and he was present with them.  The Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of the king was at hand and they would see a spectacular display of God's power over the world. 

The dominion of God was there, and his divine rule required all to draw close and touch him, to immediately follow and commit themselves to him, so that God would reign in the lives of his people. 

Jesus therefore continued the call of John.  All men were called on to repent, change direction, turn away from sin and turn toward God. Then and only then would be discovered the only true source of life. 

All men were called to believe the gospel, to have personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Belief in the good news that Jesus was the Christ, the expected Messiah, involved a commitment to him. Jesus made this clear when he pointed out in Luke 17:10 20- 21 that the Kingdom of God did not come with careful observation, that is, it is not external or visible, and therefore people could not say ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is’. Rather, the Kingdom of God is within you, said Jesus. This then has clear personal implications for each and everyone of us. 

First, every single person that has committed him or herself to the truth, has been called to testify: “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21 

Although every believer has been given the privilege to share the gospel of Christ with other people, the level of this activity shows how much we love them. All true believers must, as 1 Peter 3:15 states:

“ Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 

Second, God is the one who takes the initiative and call, who chooses to offer life, and we are the ones who need to respond. 

It should be clear that we must respond to the initiatives of God at all times and however they appear.  In Jesus' words, we must become like a little child, a slave, and as one writer puts it:

“ We must be willing to give up trusting in ourselves and to allow God to take control of the areas of our lives that we don't want to let go of.” 

Everyone must repent, experience a change of mind, turn away from sin, and turn toward God, believe the gospel and have personal faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. But for some, there was and is a call for radical discipleship and obedience to Jesus Christ.  This radical transformation is often what God wants, and today we look at some men that experienced this radical call and commission.  

After Jesus had demonstrated his amazing authority, calling some men out of their regular and varied occupation, he promised to transform them from fishermen to ‘fishers of men’. He spent considerable time and used every opportunity to teach them about the Kingdom of Heaven and prepare them to be ‘sent out’. 

Note that to be a disciple means that we accept the call of Jesus and commitment without any conditions. These men left all and followed Jesus, as Peter commented in Mark10:28.

They seemed to accept the risk and immediately responded and leaving all followed Jesus. It is difficult for us to accept that “discipleship is not part-time volunteer work done at my convenience and on my own terms”,  says one writer.  

When we compare the behavior of these men to ours, we generally feel uneasy. One writer puts it bluntly: “ Some of us might hope that Jesus would offer a less rigorous category like “auxiliary discipleship”-- the promise of the same benefits and rewards, but a discipleship that would allow us to pursue whatever we want to pursue.

The problem is that we would end up trying to love God and mammon (the biblical catch word for “stuff”).

James refers to this perspective as “double-mindedness” (see James 1: 8)-- trying to listen to God and listen to the do the world at the same time to define issues of mission, safety, time, ministry, security and priority.

Eventually, mammon speaks louder and louder and God seems to speak softer and softer and we end up with the fatal illusion that our real needs are physical, which often leads to a self centered concern for material security.” 

Mark begins his gospel at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.  The first five chapters are filled with the miracles of Jesus and many of his parables.  The twelve were really on a crash course (the Kingdom of God 101) in the first five chapters.  Unlike the majority of the crowd that followed Him, Jesus was really focused on teaching the twelve, for His formidable legacy would soon be left for them to continue. 

The call and commission of the twelve apostles holds many lessons for us. 

First and foremost, the work of God is just that.  It is God working through us, it is his power enabling us and it is his resources that supply and equip us.  Jesus assumed the responsibility for changing the men into something astonishing and marvelous.  He sustained them and guaranteed the outcome.  

This was Jesus’ competence expressed through them. Jesus fully equips when he calls us and gives us our tasks. We must learn to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus did during the time of his earthly ministry. 

It is paramount that we trust God implicitly and follow his guidance.  Self-reliance is one of the first things that must go, thus we see Jesus teaching the apostles to totally rely on him. 

There is no room for self-aggrandizement – we must decrease that He may increase.  With such authority given the Apostles; they could cast out demons and perform all manner of miraculous healings, it could easily have puffed them up with pride, an ingredient that doesn’t mix well with ministry. 

On one occasion when Jesus sent out the seventy, they came back marveling that demons were subject to them; Jesus had to rebuke them and told them not to rejoice for that reason, but rather that their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 

We must remember, that it is God in us working to perform that which pleases him and brings glory to his name.  Simply put, if our motive for ministry is wrong or becomes corrupt, there will be no reward awaiting us. We would have received our accolades from men, but receive none from God; though we may be saved. 

Also remember that there are people who pride themselves in what they have done and can do in the name of Jesus.  But these people are in for a rude awakening. 

 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

Luke 17:10   

The power of God that was manifest in the Apostles ministry, was to be used for God’s purpose only.  It could not be sold or used for any other means.  Making merchandize of ministry is reprehensible.  The thousands of schemes and unscrupulous ministers that extort money from the poor and vulnerable are wicked and brings ill-repute to the name of Jesus.  

Note that there was no working without the guidance of Jesus, neither was there constant relaxation and living quietly. There was only a Christ- like lifestyle of ministry and service for the Kingdom of God. 

Verse 1-6.  The context of this section is the rejection of Jesus and his condemnation by his own town’s folks.  He had visited Nazareth with his disciples and taught in the synagogue, displaying great wisdom. 

His countrymen questioned the source of his great wisdom, and the mighty works that he did, but when they thought about this, they could only focus on the fact that he had grown up among them and his relatives still lived among them.  They could not imagine where he could have gotten all this knowledge and power, for given where he came from he should be exactly like them, and certainly not better than they in any respect. 

Their unbelief was striking, but was not much different from that of the disciples who had by then followed Jesus for almost a year of ministry. They had asked the same thing about Jesus, questioning who he really was and actually by the end of this chapter were troubled at Jesus' display of power, and were described as having hearts that were hardened, and “ were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered”. (6:50-52) 

Jesus obviously felt that the time had come to begin teaching the disciples directly about who he was, for this would be a long process of teaching, training, and testing. 

Note that though Jesus marveled because of their unbelief, despite the great skepticism of the men of Nazareth, Jesus still went around all their villages, teaching.  He did not let their behavior deter him from ministry.  Neither would he let the lack of understanding   among his disciples about who he was, stop him from continuing to train and develop them toward their full spiritual potential.

Verse 7.   Jesus had attracted a considerable following even though His public ministry was in its infancy; His teachings were unconventional in that day, and accompanied by many miracles.  He had an inner circle of followers or disciples that were close to him.  Now he would begin to send them out to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  

In Matthew’s account of the apostles’ commission (Matt 10), we are given much more detail, including all their names, the manner in which they were called and the fact that these men were the original twelve Apostles.  Apostle means one who is ‘sent’. 

Jesus is also called the chief apostle for he was sent by God the Father (Heb 3:1); Paul was also called to be an apostle, as was Matthias who would eventually replaced Judas Iscariot.  These are the ones that have received a direct commission from Jesus and only they hold the true office of apostle. 

In a limited sense every believer is a ‘sent one’.  There are those who are called by the local church or awarded the title of apostle by their denomination, because of their activity in the mission field.  There are also self-proclaimed apostles, but claiming this title in no way affords one the true office of apostle, in exactly the same sense as ‘the twelve’. 

Jesus called the twelve disciples to himself.  It was he who initiated what was to happen. He exercised his authority, and Mark emphasizes the power that the disciples could exercise because of this bestowal of authority on them.  They went out in the name of Jesus, and not in their own power. 

“…And began to send them forth by two and two…” 

The design and purpose for sending them out in pairs would serve to spread the gospel faster and wider than if they continued always as a single group.   

Secondly they would be able to provide mutual support and encouragement.  It is an essential component of discipleship, and an excellent method for in the field training. 

Note that the twelve included Judas, and he too was given power just like the rest, to cast out demons, heal the sick and do mighty works in the name of Jesus. One writer comments on this:

“ This ought to give us pause when we see power and influence being exercised in the name of Jesus by people today.  It does not in any way guarantee that they are genuine disciples, for there was an unbeliever, one whom Jesus called a “devil from the beginning”, whom he knew from the very beginning to be just that, but who nevertheless exercised a ministry of great power along with these other disciples.  They went out two by two, in the unity of fellowship together, and this power was expressed through them.” 

It is important to realize that when the disciples were sent out they still had much to learn.  It is clear that they did not fully understand the mission of the Messiah, and at times had difficulty understanding his doctrine.  Jesus had to open their understanding and begin to teach them with the aid of many parables.

“And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].  But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.” Mar 4:33-34   

Our commission is not precluded by our inability to grasp every theological concept; and the basic proclamation of the Gospel is attainable by even the youngest believer. Remember that it is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, not our M.A. of Theology degree. 

Our understanding will grow in time; we must first respond in faith to the call. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to bring illumination and lead us into the deeper mysteries of God.  Although theological training is valuable, it is ultimately our faith and trust in God that make us useful for service. 

The apostles were being trained for the most formidable of task, thus as Jesus sent them out, he also gave them power over unclean spirits. That is authority over the kingdom of darkness, and power to heal all manner of diseases. This authority would go a long way to make up for their yet infantile understanding. The superiority given them over all forms of evil, meant that they did not have to fear anything that they came up against. 

This indicates that evil cannot be so entrenched and too difficult for Christians to tackle, when they go out to minister in the name of Jesus and are operating under the specific direction of the Holy Spirit,  

It must have been something when these rookie disciples confronted their first demon-possessed person, and tried out their power.  They might have been a little uncertain, and maybe frightened, but they courageously commanded the demons to depart in the name of Jesus, and experienced great relief and joy when the demons obeyed them. 

Clearly they did not go out to proudly exalt themselves, but were content to go out in the name of Jesus, and therefore could exercise power over all the evil spirits. 

Evidently Jesus was able to give the disciples the power that he himself had, even when they were some ways away from him. He supplied the power and authority they needed.

Verse 8.   Jesus would not send them out defenseless; this period of history records an extremely high level of demonic activity, and thus it was essential, not only to give them power over unclean spirits, but from the outset Jesus had to develop and cultivate in them total reliance on Himself.   

They should not develop any dependencies derived from their own possessions or abilities to accomplish the work of God, but learn quickly that it is God in them that wills to do his own good pleasure. 

Jesus sent them out, but commanded them not take any money, or food, or even a scrip, which is a simple knapsack.  They were to wear simple apparel, represented by the sandals; expensive or elaborate clothing would probably serve only to divert the peoples’ attention from the message to the messenger, diverting the glory from God to themselves. 

The staff was the only thing they were permitted to take, and was probably to protect themselves from bandits and wild animals. 

They had witnessed many miracles, and therefore knew first hand that God was well able to supply all their needs. The development of their trust and faith was paramount to the success of their ministry. This was to teach them lessons in faith, that God was able to provide and make provisions for them wherever they went. 

We too must learn to trust God in like fashion, in order to truly accomplish the work he has commissioned us to do.   

Matthew records in addition to this, that they should not go to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but only to the lost sheep of the house Israel (Matt 10:6). Scripture also says that the message of salvation would first come to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles. We also know that the apostle did later take the gospel message to the Gentile world. 

Why Mark omits this fact one writer comments. –

Note that there came a time when the disciples had learned faith in God and when Jesus’ ministry was coming to a close, he changed his instructions. See Luke 22: 35-36. 

We know however that God will always supply provision for the task that he has commissioned.  But this teaching, and the account of the first mission of the twelve does not mean that we are to rush to minister without making adequate preparation. Those that have carelessly read Scripture and done this have often suffered tremendously and unnecessarily and failed. 

Nevertheless there is a principle that those that the Holy Spirit have called to minister in the name of Jesus, must go in dependence on God.  When God calls and sends he will open doors, plan the journey, supply the needs and instruct what preparations must be made in advance, if it is his will that this be done.  We must have instructions from God about everything we do and depend on God, and this is what Jesus was teaching the disciples.

Verse 10.   The customs of hospitality are well rooted in the culture (Lev 19:33-34, Lev_24:22; Deu_10:18-19; Deu_26:12-13; Deu_27:19;  ) and for those who are of the body of Christ, we are admonished to practice hospitality (Luk_14:12-14; Rom_12:13; Rom_16:1-2; 1Ti_3:2; 1Ti_5:10; Tit_1:7-8; Heb_13:2;  ).   

It would be like second nature to offer to put up a brother and treat him as one of one’s own household.  Thus the customs of the day really supported and allowed the apostles to freely move from place to place. 

Once they entered a city and found a place of hospitality, they were to stay and enjoy the hospitality of that household until they left that city.  They were not to bounce around from house to house.   

Note clearly though that they were not to go out as beggars, begging money and hospitality.  They were going out to give blessings to others, and not to get. They had authority and power to bless, strengthen and heal.   

Ministry, when done in the direction of the Holy Spirit is worthy of support.  This kind of ministry will always give more than it gets. The false will always reverse this principle and take more than they give, leaving the vulnerable to suffer, selfishly enriching themselves. One writer comments:

“Go not from house to house.” They were to content themselves with one house; not to wander about in the manner of vagrants and mendicants; not to appear to be people of idleness and fond of change; not to seem dissatisfied with the hospitality of the people; but to show that they had regular, important business; that they valued their time; that they were disposed to give themselves to labor, and were intent only on the business for which he had sent them. If ministers of the gospel are useful, it will be by not spending their time in idle chit-chat, and wandering around as if they had nothing to do, but in an honest and laborious improvement of their time in study, in prayer, in preaching, and in visiting their people.

Verse 11.   Though any good Jew would be bound to offer their hospitality, it would not necessarily mean that the house would also be receptive of their message. In opening their home however, they would certainly be exposed to the message of the Gospel if they were not already believers. 

A solemn warning is given, directed at the people of the household who refuse to receive you (the disciples).  God evidently considered it a very serious offense to reject the message.  It is not that the door of their home was not open to them, but that they openly show hostility or in difference toward the message. 

Indifference or hostility shown toward God’s message and his messengers, would be rewarded with hostility toward them on the day of judgment.  Thus Scripture says that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah would stand a better chance in the day of judgment. 

The parallel passage in Matthew 10:12-13 gives further direction on how the apostles should behave toward their host. One writer says:

“And when ye come into a house, salute it - The word “house” here evidently means “family,” as it does in the following verse.

See also Matt 12:25, and John 4:53;  

“And himself believed and his whole house.” The apostles were directed to salute the family - to show them the customary tokens of respect, and to treat them with civility. Religion never requires or permits its friends to outrage the common rules of social contact. It demands of them to exhibit to all the customary and proper tokens of respect, according to their age and station, 1Pe_2:12-25; 1Pe_3:8-11; Phi_4:8.” 

Shaking the dust off ones feet was to be a sign against those who would not receive them or their message.  The significance of this action as one writer explains:

“The Jews considered themselves defiled by the dust of a heathen country, when was represented by the prophets as a polluted land, Amos 7:17, when compared with the land of Israel, which was considered as a holy land, Eze_45:1; therefore, to shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one’s clothes or feet was an emblematical action, signifying a renunciation of all farther connection with them, and placing them on a level with the cities of the Heathen. See Amos 9:7.” 

This action was not a sign of vindictiveness, anger or resentment.  But it certainly was an indication of tremendous sorrow felt that the people would not accept the blessing that was being offered to them.

Verse 12.   Jesus sent the disciples out, and their primary mission was to preach the Gospel; that men should repent , forsaking their old sinful ways and turn to Christ for forgiveness.   

The nation was to be brought to acknowledge their guilt, their wrongdoings, their neglect of God and his truth, in other words, the disciples were to deal with the problem of sin and evil among the people.  They were to show the grace of God to the people.   

The power that Jesus had given them over unclean spirits and the miracles that accompanied their ministry, would testify that the gospel they preached was the true gospel and that Jesus was indeed the true Messiah. 

Note carefully, that the power over unclean spirits and miracles of healing amongst other gifts, were specifically given them, in order to accomplish their task; and establish the twelve as Apostles with authoritative leadership in the church.  Though these gifts may still be operational in the Church to certain degrees; it is not uncommon to find people over-generalizing and spiritualizing the scripture, to the point that every believer may operate or exercise these gifts. 

The ministry of the Apostles was indeed a power packed one, the anointing aid of the Holy Spirit is clearly evident, this however did not preclude the fact that at times they were certain to come under heavy fire; and that their very lives would constantly be at risk. 

Needless to say, one could not undertake such a ministry without complete confidence and reliance on God.  They were to trust and wait on God for direction, which at times may come at the very last hour.  Dare I say that most believers lack the patience to truly wait on God, especially when it really counts, and run headlong into greater trouble, following their own counsel.

Verse 13.   The evidence of miracles would likely encourage the disciples in light of the persecution they would face, as well as bear witness to the truth and faithfulness of their message. 

They cast out many demons, to which certain sins and physical sickness can also be attributed. They anointed with oil and healed the sick.  It is not that the application of oil was the means that removed the sickness, rather the anointing of oil is a symbol of the joy and peace and deliverance that the presence of the Holy Spirit brings.

This is only spoken of here, and in Jam.5:14. This ceremony was in great use among the Jews; and in certain cases it might be profitable. But in the cases mentioned here, which were merely miraculous, it could avail no more of itself than the imposition of hands. It was used symbolically, as an emblem of that ease, comfort, and joy, which they prayed God to impart to the sick. 

The twelve disciples had a tremendously successful ministry.  They magnified the name of Jesus and as a result, Herod was completely frightened and scared, for he thought that John the Baptist, who he had wickedly murdered, was raised from the dead and was now doing all these miracles. 

Clearly the ‘evil one’ had thought that by beheading John, the preaching of the message of repentance would be slowed.   

But now Jesus checkmated evil, sending the twelve to continue John's ministry of preaching the message of repentance, which would heal those afflicted by guilt and sin.   Jesus also added another dimension in addition to John’s ministry, for the disciples had authority and power to cast out demons, heal the sick, so that emotional, spiritual, and physical healing came to the people.

Verse 1-13. This is the time in Jesus’ ministry when he was very popular, and all through this section of Mark up to chapter 6 and in this text, we find a great emphasis on the crowds that followed Him. 

They came from all over the country, many thousands of them.  Mark mentioned that they came from what is now called Lebanon, from Jerusalem, about seventy miles away, from Idumea or the land of Edom far to the south. 

The multitude following him was so great, and Jesus was so thronged, that he would not even eat. (3:20). 

Jesus’ popularity could be regarded as a symbol of his success, but this popularity did not really mean that the people understood the key element in his ministry. 

Verse 9 shows us that the people pressed on him to touch him, so that they would be healed, and Jesus did heal them.  Besides wanting to heal them, Jesus wanted to preach but he had to avoid them so that they would not crush him. (Verse 10). They seemed to have wanted mainly healing.  His message was secondary to them. In their desperation for healing, they emphasized something that was important but secondary, and Jesus seemed to have had little time for the more important ministry of teaching and preaching. 

Sadly, this seem still to be recurring today, for people many times are more interested in healing rather than hearing, understanding and committing themselves to the word of God.  The needs of the flesh are paramount. This is understandable, but the warning still remains that the need to save the soul is more important than anything else, including gaining the world. So leaders emphasize what the people want, rather than what they need.  Meeting physical needs will guarantee popularity, but it invariably distorts the message and emphasizes something that is secondary. Unfortunately then, people simply miss the point. 

Jesus' popularity then gave rise to a second false force, which is told in Mark 3:11.  Unclean spirits or demons presented themselves.  Note that these spirits are morally unclean and lead to physical uncleanness. 

When they saw Jesus they identified him as the Son of God and fell down before him.

Jesus refused their testimony and silenced them, though their testimony was true. 

Neither Jesus nor the Apostles permitted this kind of testimonial from demons, for they knew that unclean spirits do not give glowing testimony about Christ or Christianity because they want to encourage people to give their hearts to Christ. Rather, they want to hurt the cause of Christ and not to help his cause, by misleading people about Christ. 

When people saw these demons worshiping Jesus, they would believe that Jesus was like the demons, that he was either like their leader Satan, or was himself, and people would begin to associate Jesus with demonic beings and with the Devil himself. This could not be allowed, and so Jesus rejected this witness from the evil ones that he was the Son of God. 

It is amazing that those who profess to follow Jesus reverse his approach and associate with those who are clearly false, as well as those with demonic roots.  They bring all kinds of practices from pagan sources, sources which whether knowingly or ignorantly, in fact worship the Devil. 

Christians today seem to generally have forgotten that we should not associate with the world and things of the world.  Followers of Jesus must be separate, and in no way adopt pagan practices, worship with pagan people, or accept testimonials from pagan and demonic sources.  Unfortunately the desire for popularity has seduced many. 

How did Jesus deal with this threat?  That is what our text answers, and it's a very important answer, which we ignore at our peril.

Verse 13.  Jesus separated himself from the crowd, for they had been missing the point desiring material blessings only. He went up into a mountain to get privacy and separation. 

He called to him those that he had chosen, namely the twelve, and they came to him. 

Notice the dramatic change between verses 11 and 12 and verse 13.  Jesus did not want any impressive title from demons even if they were true, for neither these nor their worship came from their hearts. Neither did he want the kind of throng and press from the crowd that was happening. 

Nowadays practically every preacher or Bible teacher would love that kind of attention. They would literally kill for that.

Verse 14.  Jesus chose to have the witness of men whose lives were changed, men who had been with him, and who were therefore transformed.  They were now different, and even though not near perfection, they could be sent out to tell their countrymen what they had heard and learned. 

Because they were transformed, had left all to follow Jesus, he could give them power to speak with authority, to preach, to carry the message of repentance and turning to God.  They could be entrusted with the word of God, for they were genuine men.   

Note carefully that these twelve men were called first to be with him, to first have a personal experience. 

Jesus does not need an advocate or a salesman on behalf of Christianity.  God does not need anyone to tell the world that Christianity is a great way to approach life, that it has great moral teachings, and that there are many material benefits to be gained from joining the club. Jesus knew that it makes no sense to have that kind of a salesman. 

What he wants is a witness, someone to tell others what has happened to them.  All he wants is for us to tell our friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and those with whom we come in contact, that we have met Jesus, and as a result our life has been irrevocably and astonishingly changed. That is really all we have to do.  Just be a witness about ourselves. 

These changed men were therefore sent out with a purpose, namely, to preach, to say everything that they and learned from him.  Whatever they heard they were to say.

To prove that they were telling the truth, they were given power over all the opposition.

Verse 15.   So Jesus could give them authority even over demons.  They could override all opposition. 

Note the interesting fact that Jesus selected only the twelve men to reach the many multitudes in Israel.  Today we think that we have to use great technology and rely on these great inventions to save souls. Though these things help, they cannot replace men and women who have met Christ and who are prepared to tell about it in any way that they can, to everyone that they meet.  Actually, word-of-mouth is generally the best way to spread anything, whether scandal or good things.

Verse 16-19.  Here the twelve disciples are listed, with the key men in the group, Peter, James, John listed first. 

These men were all given nicknames by Jesus, and he marked them out as belonging to His inner circle, taking them with him whenever he was doing something special. 

Jesus needed a “rock”, an upfront man to whom others would look for leadership and guidance.  He would be quick to talk up first whether he talked nonsense or not.

Then Jesus needed two loud mouths to complete the leadership team, and these he called the “sons of thunder”, named James and John. 

All of them in the twelve were very imperfect, but they, except for Judas really loved the Lord. They and Judas would be empowered to witness to the multitudes, to the nation, and to the world. 

Thus prepared, Jesus was content and satisfied about these men and they went with him to do his ministry. 

In succeeding verses we see that the ever clever and resourceful Satan, attacked by getting the relatives of Jesus to come to interrupt his ministry. Jesus used the opportunity to teach that among Christians there is a primacy of relationship and of ties that bind believers.  One writer described in this way:

“ Dearer even than his own earthly family were those who were his brothers and sisters and his mother in the family of God.  Thus he makes clear that there is a primacy of relationship in which those ties that bind us to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to the Lord Jesus and to God our Father, are stronger and make more imperious demands upon us that those of our own natural family.” 

We must continually examine ourselves to make sure we do not become puffed up with pride or that our motives for ministry do not change or become corrupt, especially if we are gifted with any of the more outwardly spectacular gifts. 

Let us endeavor to have the mind of Christ and the passion and intensity for ministry, that he taught his closest companions, the twelve apostles.  

Do not believe that there is anything as part time Christianity, a kind of auxiliary bunch of Christians.  Jesus wants witnesses.  Once we commit ourselves to witnessing in our own corner, God will be with us in a special way and do great things through us. 

Many of us will be shocked when Jesus comes, many so-called humble people will have many more crowns that those that are involved in impressive and spectacular public ministries.