Reflection from my reading in Mark 3:1-19 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus selected 12 men who would carry on his work. He was very deliberate with whom he chose to spend his life, train, and pass the baton of leadership to.

Jesus Chose Who He Wanted

“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.” Mark 3:13

Jesus called those he desired to invest in. Jesus’ training with the apostles was a specialized training that he didn’t give to every disciple who followed him. Jesus did things with the apostles and gave them inside information that no one else got.

It is strategic and wise to spend the most time training the people who have the most potential as leaders (especially apostolic leaders). Mark gave us a description of what Jesus did with them.

“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” Mark 3:14–15

 Jesus Limited The Number

Jesus knew that he couldn’t invest well in the few if he was trying to invest in everyone. Jesus knew that more time with less people would lead to greater growth in their leadership.

Jesus Was “With Them”

Jesus spent as much time as possible with them walking on the road, eating, going to events, preaching, healing, and pretty much everything! As Jesus spent time with them, they picked up the valuable life lessons, spiritual principles, and learned his teaching. They were also given training experiences that no one else did.

Jesus “Sent Them Out To Preach”

Jesus’ purpose was not just to make them nice people but to make them preachers. Jesus specifically called people who would have the potential to be leaders and preachers. Jesus trained them to preach by letting them watch him and then sending them out to do it.

Jesus Gave Them Spiritual Authority

Jesus gave them power to cast out demons. Jesus transferred not only his principles but his spiritual authority was also transferred to the disciples.

Throughout the gospels we see example after example of Jesus training his apostles. I challenge you to read the gospels with a lens for how Jesus trained his future leaders and you will see so many of the stories in a different way.

For more great vision and practical ways to apprentice apostles check out my father John Worcester’s website. He is a veteran church planter who has apprenticed many church planters and has written and spoke on the subject.

Share on Facebook or Twitter #1YWJ