See the Big Picture. Dig In. Live It Out: A 5-Day Reading Plan in MarkSample

The Big Picture

The second cycle of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (Mark 3:7–6:6a) repeats and expands on much of the same material found in the first cycle (1:14–3:6). The passage begins with a summary of Jesus’ ministry (3:7–12; cf. 1:14–15), with an emphasis on his healing more than on his preaching this time. The cycle continues with Jesus’ appointment of the Twelve (3:13–19; cf. 1:16–20) and a confrontation with the Pharisees (3:20–30; cf. 2:1–3:5)—a confrontation so great that the Pharisees charged Jesus with being empowered by Beelzebub. Rather than end- ing the second cycle at this point, however, Mark shows Jesus turning to the crowds with his message (3:31–4:34). The cycle continues on with the narration of a series of mighty miracles and a rejection of Jesus by his hometown of Nazareth (4:35–6:6a).

Digging In    

In the opening verses, Mark continues to emphasize Jesus’ increasing popularity and expanding influence (3:7–12). His point is to high- light the difference of opinion between what the crowds think about Jesus and what the religious establishment thinks about him. People travel from near and far in response to the spreading news about him. He instructs his disciples to keep a boat ready because the crowds are pressing in on him. Mark continues to emphasize the cosmic nature of Jesus’ ministry by his reference to unclean spirits. 

Jesus’ appointment of the Twelve marks a significant advancement in his ministry (3:13–19). Jesus’ philosophy of ministry focused heavily on discipleship. He ministered to the crowds, but out of the crowd he chooses twelve. The number twelve was symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus is establishing a new people of God. The New Testament contains four lists of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2–4; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13). 

When you compare the lists, you discover that Peter is always first and Judas Iscariot is always last, Philip is always fifth, and James the son of Alphaeus is always ninth. It is at least possible that Jesus divided the Twelve into three groups of four. The reason for the differences in a few of the names among the various lists is due to the fact that many of them had two names (i.e., Matthew/Levi; Simon/Peter). Luke mentions that Jesus chose the Twelve only after he had spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12). 

Jesus’ method of discipleship is seen in the fact that he called them “to be with him.” As they spent time traveling together, he was able to teach them privately. While traveling with him, they got firsthand experience in ministry. Jesus’ method of discipleship enabled him to multiply his ministry by sending them out to preach and giving them authority “to drive out demons” (3:14–15). 

The twelve disciples should not be thought of in an idealized sort of way. They were rather ordinary men in many ways, and some of them were very rough around the edges. They were characterized, however, as having hearts for God and a willingness to follow Jesus even when the religious establishment rejected him. When we look at these men, and the many other men and women who were Jesus’ followers, we find that they are not much different from you or me. What is evident is that Jesus transformed their lives, and he can transform ours as well. 

Simon Peter was a partner in a successful fishing business. He became the leading spokesperson for the group. His brother Andrew lived in the shadow of his more famous brother; however, he was responsible for introducing his brother to Jesus (John 1:40–42). James and John were both sons of Zebedee. They had a fiery temper and were nicknamed “sons of thunder.” James was the first of the apostles martyred (Acts 12:2), and John would eventually be exiled to Patmos (Rev. 1:9). 

While Philip was not a part of the inner circle, he is listed fifth in each of the four lists of apostles. He is mentioned in numerous passages and responded to Jesus when he was called to follow (John 1:43). Bartholomew is probably the same individual called Nathaniel in John 1:43–51. If so, he was known for his outspoken honesty. Thomas is most famous for doubting the resurrection of Jesus in John 20:24–29; however, it should not be forgotten that his declaration of Jesus’ deity is one of the highest in the New Testament: “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Matthew (Levi the tax collector) would have formerly been thought of as a traitor by his own people. The power of Jesus is seen in the fact that his gospel stands first in our New Testament canon. James, the son of Alphaeus, was never given much recognition in the four Gospels. Thaddeus, also known as Judas son of James, is sometimes confused with Judas Iscariot. Not much is known about him from the Gospels. Simon the Zealot may very well have been a political revolutionary before he met Jesus. If so, he was transformed by the power of God and ceased seeking to establish God’s kingdom by a militaristic force. Finally, Judas Iscariot is listed last in all four lists for a good reason. Apparently, he betrayed Jesus (in part) out of a love of money. He reminds us how close one can be to Jesus yet fall short of saving faith.

Living It Out

We are amazed at how widely the word of Jesus’ ministry spread by word of mouth. As Jesus preached, cast out demons, and healed the sick, people from ever-expanding distances were drawn to him. While churches today search for greater and more effective ways to use technology—which is not necessarily bad—people are drawn by the Spirit of God to churches where ministry is done by God’s Spirit and for Christ’s glory. 

We should also not miss from today’s reading how very important discipleship was in the ministry of Jesus. The first act of ministry after Jesus was tempted was to call four fishermen to follow him. He then called a tax collector to follow him. Eventually, he called twelve to be his disciples. He ministered to the crowds but focused on the Twelve. These were not the most impressive men in the world’s eyes, but they were passionate for God and loved Jesus. If a church is going to reach its community for Christ, the church must have a strategy for discipleship.

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We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at 40daysseries.net