Mark 3:13-19

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Read Mark 3:13-19 carefully noticing the details.

Jesus is moving toward the height of his popularity at this point. Crowds of people are constantly pouring in to seek Jesus’ healing power to the point that he is in danger of being crushed by the throngs. But in this passage, he calls, by name, the ones he wants close to him. As many as 72 men and women hear Jesus call their names and step out in faith to follow him.

What characteristics do you imagine leads Jesus to call these to himself?

From among the ones he calls, the perfect Israelite now chooses 12 apprentice leaders – one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel. These descendants of Abraham are now blessed so they can be a blessing to others. They will lead the followers of Jesus by example as they participate in Jesus’ mission to bring the kingdom of God and God’s shalom to earth.

Read Mark 3:13-19 again imagining that Jesus wants you to go with him and calls your name.

How does it make you feel to be particularized in this way by Jesus? Comforted? Loved? Nervous? Something else?

Jesus is calling your name, and you have a choice to make: will you go with him? Take a moment to let this sink in. 

Twelve were called to be Jesus’ immediate circle of disciples, but a much larger number was called to follow. Are you willing to go to him as one of the larger group? If he were to call you to help lead the way for others, would you be willing to do that?

Sit with today’s questions for a few minutes, and talk with Jesus honestly about your feelings and reactions.

If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.

Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.