Mark 3:7–12 (ESV) — 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. 9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
A Dire Situation
Many parts of this passage are familiar to us. Jesus is presented as being famous far and wide. People from everywhere all come to see Jesus (7-8). We know why they are there—they want to see his miraculous power. Mark makes this clear: they came to him only after they heard all that he was doing (8).
This is not a celebratory moment for Mark. To him, things got so out of hand that Jesus had to tell his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him (9). It's Mark's way of describing Jesus' popularity, but also the crowd's madness. But Jesus helped everyone he could, healing many (10). This resulted in all who had diseases pressing around him to touch him (10).
And it wasn't only the crowd that pressed in on Jesus, but the demonic realm as well (11). Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God" (11). James says, even the demons believe (James 2:19). They know Jesus is the Son of God (11).
In response, Jesus strictly ordered (the demons) not to make him known because they were hardly qualified to be the heralds of royalty, the ones to announce the presence of the Messiah-King (12).
How Will He Respond?
Again, Mark wants us to see all these details as a problem to be solved. Jesus is so popular that he is endangered by the crowd and has to have an escape boat ready. And the dark unclean spirits of evil are presenting themselves and crying out his name and identity.
Up to this point, Jesus seems to be in control of every house, every synagogue, every town, and every conversation he finds himself in. But now, things feel out of control. The Pharisees are plotting against him. The crowds are pressing onto him. The demons are crying out about him.
Can he get anything done in conditions like these? What will he do?
Honestly, it feels like our world. The prince of this age wreaking havoc on the planet's inhabitants. The citizens of the world only wanting a Jesus who does stuff for them, bringing temporary relief rather than the atonement for sin. Urgent matters and commitments that make us want to jump on an escape raft to get away from it all.
But before you hop into the getaway boat of addictive behaviors, inappropriate and illicit content, or too much Netflix, give Jesus a chance. Before you spend the day binge-watching an investigative documentary about tigers in captivity, consider the escape route Jesus has provided.
1. Go Up to God's Mountain (3:7-13)
Mark 3:13 (ESV) — 13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.
He Went Up on the Mountain
Notice what Jesus did: He went up on the mountain (13). Luke tells us he spent the night in prayer on that mountaintop (Luke 6:12). All through the Bible, mountains were places God interacted with his people. Abraham and Moses and Elijah all had pivotal meetings with God on mountaintops. Jesus would die for the world on Mt. Calvary.
And this mountain was a moment for Jesus to get alone with his Father and get the game plan for his future work. How would he operate under the new conditions of out-of-control fame and opposition? Who would be on his team? How would he train them? What would they do?
Let me encourage you, even if everyone else gives in to the pandemonium of our time, even if humanity responds in a billion different directions, go up to the mountain like Jesus. Go up to the place of prayer. Go up to your Father in heaven. Go up to the place that is unshakeable and immovable, the mountain that is God.
Turn to God
This is what God's children can do—go to God in the midst of trouble. Consider just one of the hundreds of lines from the Psalms related to this theme:
Psalm 9:9–10 (ESV) — 9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
We need to go to God's mountain right now. We have God. We have his mountain. We can turn to him as our stronghold in times of trouble. We can put our trust in him, and he will not forsake us. In the midst of chaos, let us turn to him.
2. Embrace His New Humanity. (3:14)
Mark 3:14 (ESV) — 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles)...
Jesus Appointed
Up to this point in Mark, people gathered around Jesus because they were drawn to him. He had invited four fishermen to follow him, but the crowds consisted of people who'd decided they wanted to witness Jesus for themselves. Now, though, on the mountain, Jesus called those whom he desired, and they came to him (13).
Mark presents Jesus as the initiator, the one who calls, and the disciples as those who respond to his invitation. The disciples were not doing Jesus a favor. Nor did they choose Jesus. Instead, Jesus' summons was laid upon them—they were the ones he wanted—so they came.
Twelve
Because there were twelve tribes in Israel, everyone recognizes it is significant that Jesus appointed twelve to be his disciples (14). What is not agreed on, however, is what the selection of twelve means.
Some have thought it means this group, and the church which came from their leadership, somehow replaced Israel. For people with this view, the church is a new Israel. There are many problems with this view, including the fact that he didn't choose even one Samaritan or Gentile disciple. Instead, he chose twelve Israelite men, which seems like a rather awkward way to say you're done with Israel.
Others have thought the exact opposite meaning, that Jesus chose these twelve as a way to restore Israel. Most of the tribes were scattered and lost at that point in history, and the Roman occupation kept them from flourishing as a nation, so some think Jesus was refreshing Israel to a place of glory. Clearly, though, Jesus did not restore Israel in the way many had hoped, which is evidenced after his ascension by Rome's invasion of the land.
No, the church did not replace Israel, nor did Jesus restore Israel, at least not in the ways many people think. Still, the selection of twelve must have meant something. It seems it is a blend of both views, taking the grain of truth from each and putting them together.
Though he didn't replace Israel with the church, Jesus did create a new humanity with his blood (Ephesians 2:11-21). And though he didn't restore Israel to past Davidic glory, his coming did give Israel the significance promised to Abraham many centuries earlier (Genesis 12:3). Forever, Jesus will sit on David's throne, and the disciples will be with him, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 7:16, Matthew 19:28).
Through the twelve, Jesus communicates that God's kingdom has come! He has created a new people who are connected to the old people. His kingdom is here!
Our Common Ground
And as you think about Jesus choosing these twelve, forming a new humanity, I want you to see something. I want you to see how it was only the call of Jesus that united these men. What in the world did these men have in common with each other? Jesus!
You see, the church is a radical group of people from all over the world. What we have in common is a who—Jesus! His blood beckoned us. By his stripes, we've been healed. His cross has drawn and called to each one of us. Because of him and his gospel, we are one.
Sometimes it doesn't feel like we are one, but it is true nonetheless. An English pastor in the 1800's whom Charles Spurgeon called "the saintliest man I ever knew" once said this about the unity of the church:
Yes, God made his Church one. He committed to us the earthen vessel, a representation of the unity, but he held in his own hand the golden bowl. We have smashed the earthen vessel, but the golden bowl is still intact in the hand of God. - Robert Chapman
And as you process the craziness of our times, I pray that you would see the value of the new humanity that the Spirit baptized you into. The disciples came out from the masses, away from the unclean spirits, and went up to Jesus. They collected around him, but they were together. The only thing binding them together was him.
Likewise, we must come together around Jesus and do our best to love one another. One day, in heaven, we will see the multicultural, multinational, multilingual nature of God's glorious church. But let's strive for it today. Let's come together as a community centered around Jesus.
3. Enter Into This Life-Changing Relationship. (3:14-15)
Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) — 14 ...so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons.
Atomic Relationship
It is important to notice what Jesus called these original disciples to do. It is what he has called every disciple after them to do as well. Mark said: He appointed twelve...so that they might be with him (14). After being with him, he would send them out to preach and even cast out demons (14-15). But the first move was to be with him.
The idea is that dramatic results come from being with Jesus. Like atomic energy, Jesus is powerful. It is an atomic relationship. It is life-giving to be in a relationship with Jesus. He took these twelve and developed them into world changers.
Examples
We can find examples of this in the Old Testament. When Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with God, his face reflected God's glory. He radiated what he had just experienced with God. Embarrassment, at least partly because God's glory faded from him, made Moses cover his face after his encounters with God (2 Corinthians 3:13). Our relationship with Jesus is meant to do something similar, but from the inside out and with a permanence unfamiliar to Moses (2 Corinthians 3:18). In other words, our relationship with Jesus changes us permanently from the inside out.
Another example of this comes from David's life. When Goliath asked Israel for a challenger, for forty days, no one came forward. Finally, young David arrived, and the rest is history. But then David began collecting men, and many of them went on to win battles similar to David's victory over Goliath. Brave exploits. Bold stands. Even other giants were defeated by David's men. The idea is that through interaction with David, David's men were formed. They were turned into giant killers through their relationship with the original giant killer.
Jesus did the same for his disciples. They spent time with him and were changed. Years later, Peter and John were arrested for Jesus' sake yet preached boldly to their captors.
Acts 4:13 (NIV) — 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
These men had been with Jesus. It's what Jesus wanted for his men. It's what he wants for us.
Centered Around the Tabernacle
Notice this, Jesus is not one of the twelve. There's Jesus; then there's the twelve.
Just as ancient Israel's twelve tribes were to center around the tabernacle, so would the twelve disciples center themselves around Jesus. He is God who dwelt—or tabernacled—with us (John 1:14).
Spend time in his word, not as a religious code, but to hear his voice. He has spoken. His word is meant to teach and lead you. Talk to him in prayer. This is how you spend time with Jesus.
No other way needs to be invented. You don't need to write down what you think he's saying to you. You don't need to get in touch with your inner voice. You don't need to find an artistic expression that helps you feel his presence. Nope. None of that.
You need to study his word for yourself and pray to him. Spending time with him in this way will change you. Money-back, guaranteed.
4. Follow Their Example. (3:16-19)
Mark 3:16–19 (ESV) — 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Embrace Anonymity
What do I mean by following their example? Well, first, notice how all types of men came to him. You have fishermen and a tax collector and a political zealot. And as the pages of this story unfold, and as the rest of the New Testament is written, it becomes obvious Jesus used all types.
In other words, he looked for common folks—everyday people.
But also notice the way many of these men embraced anonymity when they embraced Jesus. We know about Peter, the leader who would, one day at a Roman centurion's house, use the keys Jesus gave him to unlock the gospel to the nations (16). His birth name was Simon, but Jesus called him the rock or Peter. It was a loving nickname indicative of the time Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (a foundational rocklike doctrine the church is built upon).
We know about James and John, brothers who were in Jesus' inner circle with Peter (17). James was the first apostle to die for the faith. John outlived them all and wrote John, a few letters bearing his name, and Revelation. One time they wanted to call down fire from heaven to consume people. Another time they asked their mother to ask Jesus if they could sit on his right and left hand when he came into his kingdom. So Jesus gave them a nickname too: Boanerges (17). It means Sons of Thunder (17). Too many scholars have a hard time imagining Jesus gave them this nickname in any humorous way at all. I don't. I see him smiling, saying, OK. I got you. Simmer down, Sons of Thunder!
But the reality is most of these men are anonymous to us. We will hear of Peter, James, and John quite a bit. Andrew, Philip, Thomas, and Judas Iscariot will be heard of only occasionally. But Mark won't specifically mention Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, or Simon the Zealot anymore after this. And, though church history has made attempts at tracking their movements after Jesus' ascension, we don't know with certainty what they did or where they went. We merely know they were involved.
Believers today need to embrace anonymity. We can be used greatly by God without being greatly known. Too many have sought service to Christ as a means to be known, well respected, or esteemed. You just can't use ministry for ego; done correctly, it is one of the most humbling experiences a human could possibly endure.
You must embrace the possibility no one will know you, thank you, or encourage you in your service to Christ. But is that why you serve Jesus? No! You serve at his pleasure. And, one day, his thanks will be all the thanks you need!
Believe God Can Use Your Life
Another thing about these disciples is that they went out preaching and casting out demons (14-15). They did this because Jesus sent them and gave them authority to do the work (14-15).
In other words, they got all the power they needed for the task from Jesus. They were just regular guys who had been with Jesus, and he empowered them. What I want you to know is that Jesus Christ can use your life! He is looking for people who are willing vessels, people he can fill and empower by his Spirit for the mission of the kingdom. This means you!
But, too often, we carry limiting beliefs that get in the way of God using our lives. Because we think it is all on our shoulders, we often dismiss the possibility of God using us for his kingdom. In thinking this way, we forget about the power of God and that he's looking for willing instruments.
My sister owns a beautiful golden lab named Charlie. At some point, this dog began developing a limiting belief. When she went outside to the backyard, she would descend the porch stairs. But whenever she was ready to come back inside, she would approach the same stairs, stairs she had climbed a thousand times before, and just stand there, barking. She has become convinced she cannot climb those stairs on her own. She waits and waits for someone to help her up the stairs. She has a limiting belief.
Some limiting beliefs are rational and true—I believe I cannot fly, and this has kept me from jumping off buildings—but other limiting beliefs are untrue. And some do not include God in the equation. Believe and know God can use your life. Submit to him.
These men were made strong for a strong work by the power of a strong God. Let's allow ourselves to be strengthened by the same God today, for now is a time when strong believers must become usable in God's hands.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) — 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
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For the entire Mark series, go here. Thank you.
