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.

Scripture

At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.

Observation

Jesus goes into the synagogue and notices a man with a deformed hand. Jesus’s enemies watch closely to see what Jesus will do. If he heals the man, they will accuse him of working on the Sabbath.

Jesus has the man come to the front of the meeting. He turns to His critics and asks if the Sabbath is a time to do good or to do evil.

He then heals the man’s hand. The Pharisees go away immediately to meet with Herod’s supporters to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus then goes to the lake where he teaches the crowds and heals the sick. People with evil spirits would shriek, but Jesus sternly commands them to not to reveal His identity.

Application.

The Pharisees were waiting to be offended by Jesus. Their double standards or inconsistencies were breathtaking.

Previously, they had rebuked Jesus for allowing His disciples to pick heads of wheat to eat as they walked through the field. This was on the Sabbath, and according to the Pharisees’ standards, they were working.

Later, on another Sabbath, they criticise Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus asks if the Sabbath is about doing good or evil, or bringing life or death.

According to the Pharisees, healing and eating on the Sabbath are really bad, but having a meeting on the Sabbath to plot how to kill someone is perfectly fine.

When we are motivated by law rather than by grace, we give the rules a status that is above the needs of people. But we can also develop a way of justifying evil behaviour for “the greater good.”

We must learn to walk In the way of love and not be seduced by the apparent clarity of law.

Listen

Lord, what would you say to me about this issue of legalism?

Keith, one of the problems with legalism is that it makes it very easy to divide people into “Saints” and “Sinners.”

It invites people to judge by the outward appearance. It completely misses the point that is is your heart that I want.

Don’t judge, let me judge.

Don’t set rules. I am the rule giver.