Scripture

Then he appointed twelve of them and call them his apostles, They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.

Observation

Jesus goes up to a mountain, calling the ones he wants to be with him. There are twelve Whom he calls Apostles. Their job description is to be with Jesus, to preach and cast out demons.

Mark lists the names from Simon Peter to Judas Iscariot who later betrayed him.

One time, Jesus enters a house. The crowd gathers so quickly that Jesus doesn’t have time to eat. His family thinks he is out of his mind.

Application

Jesus’s twelve apostles were especially appointed by Jesus to be with him. They were his cell group As they fellowshipped together, Jesus taught them how to preach the Good News of the Kingdom.

He also gave them authority to cast out demons. As God’s kingdom expanded, they would confront evil spirits just as Jesus did. They needed the power to overcome the opposition of satan because they would certainly encounter that.

The training and equipping process to take on Jesus’s ministry was informal in style, but also comprehensive. They saw how Jesus ministered, had opportunities to copy his ministry, and opportunities to fail. But when the time came these twelve spearheaded a movement that took over the world.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about this passage?

Keith, that was a great day! As I looked at this small group of apostles, I knew that they would truly represent me to the world. Their hearts were good, and they wanted to give not just receive. That is the difference between true disciples and the crowd of followers. True disciples allow me to transform their hearts so that they give as much as they receive.

People always ask, “Why Judas?” Judas is a warning to every follower, every disciple, every leader, pastor and apostle. His heart was right on that day. It was my Father’s pleasure to include him. The problem was that he allowed satan to enter his heart.

Every believer can come to that point. They engage in wilful sin, lose faith, get sidetracked by other things, and then satan comes in and snatches them away.

Judas is a warning for you, my son, and for everyone who claims my name. Do not try to follow me in your own strength. It will destroy you.