What Jesus Did! 'The Purpose of the 12' — Mark 3:14-15

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Then [Jesus] appointed twelve of [his disciples] and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.
— Mark 3:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus selected the twelve apostles for several clear purposes:
  1. They were to be his companions — they would learn by being with him.
  2. He sent them out to do what he had been doing — preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.
  3. He gave them authority and power to serve, cast out demons, and heal (Matthew 10:1).
His plan for the development of these disciples, most of whom became leaders after his death, is a good one for us to follow. If we want leaders who can make a huge difference in the world, we need to train them, task them, and trust them. Training means that we don't just give them a manual or a book, but that we help them learn by serving as apprentices to proven leaders. Tasking means that we give them a clear mission or task to perform and hold them accountable to fulfill that task. Trusting means that we actually give them the authority and power to do what needs to be done. Unfortunately, the whole body of Jesus is not turned loose to work as it could because we are afraid that some leaders won't live up to the holy task they are to perform. So let's be honest with the examples of the apostles Jesus chose. Did these twelve all live up to their holy task? How long did it take for even the best of them to get it right? How many of them failed at some point? How many of them failed completely? Get the point? Let's prayerfully call more people to serve and then follow Jesus' example.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us. We have limited your people because we have not called more to lead, and the few whom we have called to lead, we often limit because of our lack of faith in them and our lack of direction and accountability given to them. Dear Father, please raise up more leaders and open our eyes to their presence. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 6:1-7
  • Acts 13:1-3
  • 1 Peter 4:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:14-15 NLT — Then [Jesus] appointed twelve of [his disciples] and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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