Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The 'Ordinariness' of the Twelve
Read Mark 3:7-19

He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 3:14-15

Jesus was teaching, healing the sick, performing miracles and driving out evil spirits. Now, the time had come for Jesus to appoint disciples to carry out His mission on earth.

Jesus chose the disciples for two primary purposes (vs 14-15). First, the disciples were to spend time with Jesus so that they could learn from Him and pattern their lives after Him. Second, they were to preach the good news of the kingdom and to have authority over the evil one. Note that the disciples were to be with Jesus first before they could be commissioned to preach the Gospel.

Jesus chose ordinary people to be his disciples. The disciples were not supermen. Boastful Peter denied Jesus. Thomas doubted Him. James and John were ambitious for themselves and wanted to sit in powerful positions in God’s kingdom. These disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested and then crucified. When we remember them, we are not glorifying their weaknesses but glorifying the God who can use people as weak as they were in His service.

In God's kingdom, there is always room for people who are broken, weak and who have experienced failure. We need not wait until we are sinless, perfect and fully equipped to serve God. We will never be.

Parents, encourage your children to serve the Lord even while they are young. Other than the church, how can you serve God in your home, school, college, workplace and community?