Mark 3:7-19
Our Scripture this week is Mark 3:7-19. Mark 3:7-19 is significant for its portrayal of Jesus' popularity, his healing ministry, the selection of the twelve apostles, the granting of authority to cast out demons, and the identification of Simon Peter as a key leader. These elements contribute to the overall narrative of Jesus' ministry and the formation of the core group of disciples who played crucial roles in the early Christian movement. We read this week of two groups of people: 1) the crowd who sought after Jesus because of his healing ministry and great things he had done and 2) the twelve disciples (soon to be apostles) who follow Jesus to take part in Jesus’ healing ministry not to merely receive of it. Here is a summary of the key elements in this passage:
Crowds and Healing (Mark 3:7-12): The passage begins by highlighting the immense popularity of Jesus. Large crowds from different regions, including Galilee and Judea, gathered to see him. Many sought healing from their ailments, and Jesus, in his compassion, healed numerous people. This emphasizes Jesus' role as a healer and his ability to draw crowds due to his miraculous deeds.
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Disciples as Apostles (Mark 3:13-19): Jesus goes up on a mountain and calls a select group of disciples to be his apostles. The number twelve is significant, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. This action marks a key moment in the formation of Jesus' inner circle and the establishment of the apostolic foundation for the Christian community.
Authority to Cast Out Demons (Mark 3:14-15): Jesus gives the twelve apostles authority to cast out demons. This authority demonstrates the power and legitimacy of their mission. It also signifies the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil and the authority of Jesus over demonic forces.
Identification of Simon Peter (Mark 3:16-19): This passage lists the names of the twelve apostles, with Simon (later named Peter) being mentioned first. Peter holds a prominent role among the apostles and becomes a central figure in the New Testament, particularly in the establishment of the early Christian church.
Are you a fan or a follower of Christ? A fan is short for "fanatic," and it typically refers to someone who has a strong admiration or enthusiasm for a particular person, team, celebrity, or thing. A fan of Jesus may appreciate certain aspects of Jesus’ message, values, or moral teachings but may not necessarily commit to living according to those principles in a profound or transformative way. Being a fan might involve an external acknowledgment of Jesus without a deep personal commitment or lifestyle change. The relationship can be more one-sided, with the fan expressing admiration, but not necessarily engaging in a two-way interaction.
A follower typically implies a deeper level of commitment and adherence to the teachings and example of Jesus. This person is likely to strive to live according to the principles of love, compassion, forgiveness, and other values taught by Jesus. Being a follower involves a more personal and transformative relationship with Christ, often including a commitment to faith, spiritual practices, and a desire to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus.
The disciples were followers. The crowds were fans. Be a follower.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 3:7-19
Questions to guide your thinking:
What do you believe the crowds were hoping to receive by seeking after Jesus? Why did Jesus ask his disciples to get him a boat to keep him away from the crowds?
In the Gospel of Matthew, the appointment of the twelve as apostles takes place shortly before the miracle of the man with a withered hand. In the Gospel of Mark and Gospel of Luke it appears shortly after that miracle. Why did Jesus choose this point in his ministry to appoint the twelve?
This passage lists the names of the twelve apostles, with Simon (later named Peter) being mentioned first. Does this signify the importance of Peter’s role? Why or why not?
