Mark 3:13-15 - Twelve Apostles

Mark 3:13-15
13 And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach,15 and to have authority to cast out the demons.

Message: Twelve Apostles

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Earlier, Jesus called 4 men to follow him, stating that he would make them fishers of men (1:16-17). Now here in Chapter 3 is the full calling of all disciples. Mark doesn't mention all by their names. Jesus goes up to the mountain (probably a place for him to pray) and from this high place summoned those whom He Himself wanted. This wasn't a collaboration. He chose the ones he wanted. And they came to Him. He called, they came. They were discovered first before they were apostles.

And He appointed twelve. They were set apart.

1. So that they would be with Him. Will apostles ever be established again, because their purpose was to be with Him. This was the initial reason for calling them - to be with Him. 
2. and that He could send them out to preach; he was called to preach repentance and belief. So, now his disciples would carry the same message. Jesus knew he wouldn't always be around, and he wanted his disciples to preach. He wants to work through and use other men. 
3. and to have authority to cast out the demons. It continues. As I look at these passages, I am a little startled, I suppose, of how much the casting out of demons is mentioned.  

Promise: The words of the Apostles carry the same authority as the words Christ spoke while on earth. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the way you appointed others to carry your message. Thank you that you use people to preach and carry your message.