The Pharisees (v 6) – religious leaders – don’t at all get who Jesus is; the crowd – with just the evidence of their eyes, ears and some hearsay – half get it (v 8); but the evil spirits whom Jesus confronts get it completely (v 11). He’s the Son of God. How much did you really understand about Jesus when you first started following him? Thank him that it was enough to make a start.

Then Jesus chooses a bunch of far-from-perfect ordinary guys to be his specially chosen apostles or ‘sent ones’. To do what? To be with him, to preach and drive out demons (vs 14,15) – in other words, to learn from Jesus and tell stories of him in their lives, to explain about the kingdom of God, and to carry on the work that Jesus does (John 14:12). And their track record so far? Zero. Jesus will give them all the learning they need.

Whilst we’re not ‘apostles’, Jesus’ followers are still called to do these three things. Recall times when you’ve been able to do each of them. Amazing, isn’t it, especially considering where you started from?

‘But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”’¹

The signs of the inauguration of the kingdom of God were visible. Jesus had been teaching, healing the sick, performing miracles and exorcising in Mark’s narrative. The time had come for him to appoint disciples to pursue his mission on earth. He chose twelve disciples for two primary purposes (vs 14,15). First, they were to spend time with him so that they could learn from him and pattern their lives upon his example. Second, they were to preach the good news of the kingdom and to have authority over the evil one. 

The disciples were ordinary people just like us, following Jesus with all our failures, weaknesses and sinful nature. They were not supermen, nor were they like the heroes that are depicted in Hollywood movies. There was boastful Peter who denied Jesus. There was Thomas who doubted his Lord. There were James and John, brothers who were ambitious in wanting to sit in powerful positions in God’s kingdom. There was Matthew, whose profession as a tax collector was regarded by many as sinful. In the Old Testament, Moses was also reluctant when God called him to lead his people out of Egypt. He felt that he was not equipped to do so – as shown in the quotation at the head of this page. Yet God used him to fulfil his plans and purpose for his people. This reminds us that there is always room for people who are broken and weak, for those who experience failure in life, to be of service in God’s kingdom. We need not wait until we are perfect and fully equipped to serve God. We never will be perfect! 

Is God calling us to serve him in the church, our homes, schools, colleges, workplaces and neighbourhoods? Will we make ourselves available to share the good news of the kingdom?

Lord, make me a willing servant to serve you and your church.

¹ Exod 3:11