Mark 3:14 – He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus formally appoints twelve men to be His closest followers, known as the apostles. This moment is about more than just gathering a group—Jesus is creating the foundation of a movement that will spread His message to the world. These twelve men were chosen to learn from Him, to experience life with Him, and to be sent out to share the good news.
The two purposes stated here—”to be with him” and “to preach”—show the balance of discipleship and mission. First, they were called to be in close relationship with Jesus, learning from His teachings and witnessing His life. This personal relationship was the foundation of their calling. Second, they were sent out to preach, taking what they had learned and sharing it with others. This dual focus on relationship and mission defines the life of a disciple.
Historical Context
The number twelve is significant in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus was signaling the renewal of God’s people through His ministry. This wasn’t just a random number—it was a deliberate act to show that God’s kingdom was being restored and expanded through Jesus.
During this time, rabbis often had disciples, but Jesus’ approach was unique. Instead of waiting for followers to seek Him out, He personally called and appointed His apostles. Additionally, His mission went far beyond traditional teaching—it was about proclaiming and embodying the kingdom of God.
The act of sending the apostles to preach was also significant. In the ancient world, messengers carried the authority of the one who sent them. By sending the apostles, Jesus was giving them the authority to represent Him and proclaim His message.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the personal and purposeful nature of Jesus’ call. The apostles weren’t chosen because of their qualifications or achievements; they were chosen by grace. Their primary calling was to be with Jesus, showing that relationship with Him is at the heart of discipleship.
It also emphasizes the mission of God’s kingdom. Jesus didn’t just call the apostles to follow Him for their own benefit—He sent them out to share the good news with others. This reflects God’s desire for all people to hear the message of salvation.
The sending of the apostles also points to the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ. Just as the apostles were sent to represent Jesus, Christians today are called to share His love and truth in their own spheres of influence.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s Gospel is known for its focus on action, and this verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative. The phrase “He appointed twelve” is simple yet profound, marking the beginning of a new phase in Jesus’ ministry. The deliberate choice of twelve apostles connects Jesus’ mission to the story of Israel while also pointing forward to the global mission of the church.
The structure of the verse highlights the balance between being and doing. The apostles were first called “to be with him,” emphasizing the importance of relationship, and then “to preach,” focusing on their mission. This order is significant—it shows that effective ministry flows out of a close relationship with Jesus.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 24:1-9: Moses calls the leaders of Israel to come near to God, paralleling Jesus’ calling of the twelve apostles to be with Him.
- Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission, where Jesus sends His followers to make disciples of all nations, building on the mission given to the apostles.
- John 15:16: Jesus reminds His disciples that He chose them and appointed them to bear fruit, reinforcing the idea of purposeful calling.
- Acts 1:8: Jesus tells the apostles they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, fulfilling their mission to preach the good news.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that discipleship is about both relationship and mission. Just as the apostles were called to be with Jesus, we are called to spend time with Him—through prayer, reading His Word, and living in His presence. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and equips us for the work God has prepared for us.
It also challenges us to embrace our role in God’s mission. Like the apostles, we are sent to share the good news with others. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching from a pulpit—it can mean sharing Christ’s love in our everyday interactions, being a witness to His transforming power in our lives.
Finally, this verse reminds us that Jesus calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The apostles weren’t perfect, and neither are we. But through His grace and power, Jesus equips us to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in His desire to be in relationship with His people. Jesus called the apostles to be with Him, not because He needed them but because He wanted them to experience the joy and transformation of life with Him. This reflects God’s heart for all of us—He calls us into a personal relationship with Him.
God’s love is also seen in His trust in the apostles. Despite their flaws and failures, He entrusted them with the mission of sharing His message. This demonstrates God’s confidence in what He can accomplish through imperfect people who are willing to follow Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the founder of the new covenant community. By appointing twelve apostles, He was establishing a new foundation for God’s people, one that would be built on faith in Him as the Messiah.
It also shows Jesus’ authority as the one who calls and sends. The apostles didn’t choose themselves—Jesus chose them. This reflects His sovereignty and His role as the head of the church. Additionally, their mission to preach the good news points to the heart of Jesus’ ministry: proclaiming the kingdom of God and inviting people to experience its reality.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to prioritize your relationship with Jesus in your daily life?
- In what ways are you living out the mission of sharing the good news with others?
- How does it encourage you to know that Jesus calls and equips ordinary people for His purposes?
- What can you learn from the balance between being with Jesus and being sent out to serve?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love and His desire to work through His people?
This verse is a powerful reminder of the call to follow Jesus, to be in close relationship with Him, and to join Him in His mission. It challenges us to trust in His plans, embrace His calling, and live out our faith with purpose and love.