The Crowds and the Disciples
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· 1,558 viewsTrue disciples follow Jesus sacrificially, prioritize being with Him, and imitate Him.
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Social
Introduction:
Trending: Is a word we use to describe what is currently popular or widely discussed online, especially on social media websites.
It may be a topic or a person that may be the subject of many posts on a social media website within a short amount of time and a significant amount of views.
You can find what is trending on the major news networks. You can find what is trending on youtube. You can find what is trending on facebook or twitter.
A trending post will generate tons of views, tons of followers, and tons of discussion within a short amount of time.
Well, in a world before facebook, twitter, and instagram, we can say that Jesus was the trending topic and person of the day. Jesus was popular among the common people because he healed diseases and cast out demons. As we saw last week, the tensions between the religious leaders and Jesus and his followers escalate where they conspire in regards on how to kill him.
And even though Jesus is the talk of the day, many people do not like him. And a multitude of people follow him simply because he is popular and because they hear that this man can heal them of their physical affliction. Not only was Jesus trending that day, but Jesus had trending followers.
But what we will see in our text today is that there is a difference between being a trending follower of Jesus and a true follower of Jesus.
A trending follower follows Jesus when he is popular and can provide some immediate relief to some physical need while a true follower follows Christ regardless of whether he is popular or not and regardless of whether he can provide some immediate need.
A trending follower follows Jesus for a short amount of time while a true follower will follow Jesus for a lifetime.
A trending follower will follow Jesus because the crowds do it while a true follower will still follow even when there is not a crowd.
Main Proposition:
My question for you this morning is: Are you a trending follower of Jesus or you a true follower of Jesus? Are you a fan? Or you a disciple? In other words, are you a true disciple of Jesus or you just part of the crowds following Jesus because He can provide some material benefit to you?
How can we distinguish between true and false disciples?
In our text, we will look at three characteristics of a true follower of Jesus, so that we too would be true followers of Jesus.
Let us read our text this morning:
Scripture Reading:
Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 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. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
I. A True Disciple Follows Jesus Sacrificially (vv. 7-12)
I. A True Disciple Follows Jesus Sacrificially (vv. 7-12)
That is to say, a true follower is commited to Him. And commitment to him entails sacrifice. As Jesus popularity grows, so does the crowds. And Jesus withdraws to the open place near the lake, which is probably in Capernaum or the Sea of Galilee where massive crowds follow Him. Jesus was a celebrity preacher.
Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.
Jesus was so popular that people where coming from everywhere to see Him. The regions mentioned recalls the reign of Israel over these lands back its peak and glory days.
When the crowds heard what Jesus was doing, healing all sorts of diseases and afflictions, they came to him because they wanted to be healed. Jesus was a celebrity in first century Israel.
And Jesus, because He is a compassionate Savior, would heal many who would come in contact with Him.
And notice that the crowds were so large, that it even put Jesus’ life at risk.
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.
And Jesus has to tell his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd. Boat is not a large fishing vessel, but a small boat that would function as his pulpit. This is where Jesus probably delivered his sermon on the mount.
I can only imagine Jesus in a crowd like the beginning of Black Friday where people are pushing and shoving trying to get inside the store. Or in a concert in a Stadium where people are trying to grasp for the star. Or a massive group of zombies trying to touch a living person. People were literally falling down and almost crushing Jesus as they were seeking to touch him.
Everyone was trying to touch Jesus because they knew they could be healed by Him.
Now, there is nothing wrong to want healing. But if you get healing, and forget about Jesus, you don’t really want Jesus, but want only what Jesus can give you. In other words, you only follow Jesus not for his sake, but for your own sake.
That is why I say true disciples will still follow Jesus even if the healing is not immediate. True disciples will trust Him and follow Him regardless of the circumstances.
The test of true faith, is whether one would be willing to follow Jesus when it feels as if one is forsaken by Jesus.
In the other gospels, some would fall away from falling Jesus because of his teaching and the threat of danger.
Will you follow Jesus if it entails hardship and difficulty?
If you are only following Jesus to see whether or not he can relieve you of some physical affliction or help you attain some personal achievement goals, your following Jesus for his benefits, and not necessarily for himself.
Wanting Jesus Gifts, Not Jesus Himself.
Trending followers only want to follow Jesus when he can meet an immediate or physical need, while true disciples follow Jesus in order just be with him, taught by him, and used by him.
One preacher said, “It is like marrying someone only for their money. Or only for sex.” You are using the person to get what the person can give you, not because you love them.
How do you know whether you are following Jesus sacrificially or just using him to get your real god or idol?
1. How do you pray? Prayer reveals our hearts desires. Are we only praying for physical things. Are we only praying for physical healing? Are we only praying for advancement in our school or job? Are we only praying for our physical health? Are we only praying for the things of this world? Are we only praying for temporal things? Jesus is only useful to us when he advances our own cause.
2. Do you submit to Jesus even when things are not going well? When Jesus doesn’t provide the healing? When Jesus didn’t allow you to get into the school you hoped for? Or you didn’t get the promotion you were looking for? Or you still haven’t found the right one? Do you shrink away from following Jesus because he didn’t meet those material needs according to your own timetable?
3. Are you willing to follow Him when He is not popular? Are you a bandwagon follower?
NBA finals are now up. A lot of former
NBA Western Conference Finals are up. Golden State is in it again. Many years ago, no one was a Golden State Fan when they were losing. Everyone was a Laker Fan when they were winning the championship. I wonder how many Golden State Fans were former Laker fans? And they jumped on the bandwagon when Golden State was winning. Well, that is how many people are like with Jesus.
Sometimes following Jesus will entail threat and persecution. Especially in our day and age, it is not popular to follow Jesus especially on his views on marriage, the exclusivity of salvation only in Him, heaven and Hell, denying oneself and taking one’s cross to follow him in a culture where self is ultimate. Do you trade teams when He goes against popular opinion?
4. Do you love Him?
The Demons Submit to Christ, but don’t Love Him
And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
Mark 3:
The demons knew the true identity of Jesus Christ. Their cry was one of despair and dread because they knew what was coming when Jesus came. They knew who Jesus was “You are the Son of God!”. You can confess Christ rightly and still go to Hell.
Jesus strictly ordered them/rebuked them to not make him known because he did not want them to bear testimony about him and give the Pharisees more ammunition to discredit him.
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
Furthermore, he did not want to have any misunderstandings of what He came to do to be clouded by the crowds.
So he ordered the demons to keep their mouth shut because Jesus was focused on His mission to save the lost.
Even the demons recognize the authority of Jesus, but they didn’t love him or obey Him.
True followers follow Jesus sacrificially because they are committed to Him even when things don’t go well or even when he is not popular. And they commit to him because they love him.
Transition: A true disciple follows Jesus sacrificially because they are committed, but second of all,
II. A True Disciple Prioritizes Being with Jesus (vv. 13-14)
II. A True Disciple Prioritizes Being with Jesus (vv. 13-14)
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Jesus’ ascent of a mountain to call the Twelve has the significance of Moses’ ascent of Mt. Sinai to receive and transmit the Ten Commandments (Exod 19:1–25; 20:18–20).
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Rabbis, as we noted at 1:16–20, did not call disciples, but were chosen by their disciples, much as students today choose a college. Nor would a rabbi dare leave the impression that his person superseded the Torah. Rabbinic disciples would ideally see in their tutor a means of mastering the Torah and a model of what they themselves might become. But as described by Mark, Jesus’ program is of a different order. Jesus is the sole and exclusive subject of the call. Nothing—not even the Torah or God—is presented as more important than Jesus.
Jesus calls his disciples. Jesus spent the whole night in prayer.
And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
“Call to him those whom he desired.” The call comes first from God.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Rabbis, as we noted at 1:16–20, did not call disciples, but were chosen by their disciples, much as students today choose a college. Nor would a rabbi dare leave the impression that his person superseded the Torah. Rabbinic disciples would ideally see in their tutor a means of mastering the Torah and a model of what they themselves might become. But as described by Mark, Jesus’ program is of a different order. Jesus is the sole and exclusive subject of the call. Nothing—not even the Torah or God—is presented as more important than Jesus.
This call is a summons. It is an effectual call. It is a divine call. Jesus calls whom he desires or whom he wills. Just like God called Israel, Jesus is calling the Twelve to be His chosen representatives of the Kingdom.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Jesus “called to him those he wanted.” The Greek is more emphatic; the sense is that he summoned those whom he willed. Jesus determines the call. Disciples do not decide to follow Jesus and do him a favor in so doing; rather, his call supersedes their wills, summoning one who does not intend to follow (10:21) and debarring one who would (5:19). The society into which he calls them is determined not by their preferences but by his summons.
How do you know you are called by Jesus? When He calls, you come.
Those who are called will come to Jesus. Have you come to Jesus?
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Those whom God the Father has called, Jesus has called. A call to salvation precedes a call to service.
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
And he appointed or made/make twelve (whom he also named apostles). Apostles literally means to be “sent out”. These were the authorized representatives of Christ.
“The creation of the Twelve sets up a distinction between those who indiscriminately follow him seeking healing or are caught up in the excitement of the moment with his miracles and those who are to be close to him and to receive special instruction.”
The Twelve is significant because Jesus is choosing twelve to restore and fulfill the promises to Israel.
A. Discipleship is fundamentally about a person.
So that they might be with Him.
Disciples need to learn how to be with Jesus. They would watch him teach. They would eat with Him. They would spend three years of their life with Him. Part of following Jesus is just learning to be with Jesus. It is to getting to know. They would see their Master teach, heal, cast out demons, pray and submit to the Father’s will. And it would take time to get to know their Master.
“Leading people to know Christ.”
Discipleship is fundamentally about a person.
To know Christ in a personal and intimate way. Before we think about serving Christ, the priority is getting to know Jesus. Discipleship is relational.
B. Discipleship is a process, not a program.
Just like I am still getting to know my wife after being married 7 years. I have been a Christian for 14 years, and I am still getting to know Jesus. Even as I study the Gospel of Mark, we learn about the person of Christ and the works of Christ in greater detail through the Gospel Narratives.
There will be rough patches and ups and downs throughout the years, but disciples will abide with Him. They will remain with Him because He is faithful.
The disciples did not fully understand what they were getting themselves into. Someone of them did not know they would literally lose their lives. Some of them did not know they would be exiled for the Name. Some of them did not know they would be imprisoned for the name. But these men choose to endure hardship, because the more they got to know Jesus, the more they were willing to suffer for Jesus. It would take a journey of a lifetime to figure out what Jesus was going to do with their lives. As the famous hymn goes,
“The Longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.”
The first priority of the disciples is not what a disciples can do for Jesus, but what a disciple can learn from Jesus by being with Him.
How do we learn to be with Jesus? He is not with us Pastor Alex?
“To be with Jesus ultimately has nothing to do with physical proximity. It means having a meaningful relationship with him that results in heeding his words and following his example.” pg. 400
We Get to be with Jesus in His Word
You get to know Jesus as you immerse yourself in His Word. This is why we have 66 Books of the Bible. Even for me after following Christ all these years, I’m still learning new things about Him even as I study the Gospel of Mark.
John 8
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
A true disciple will be regularly get to know His Master through His Spirit inspired Word.
2. We Get to be with Jesus by His Spirit
even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
The Spirit leads us into the presence of Christ. He makes Christ real to us. He is the Spirt of Christ.
3. We Get to Know Jesus through Godly Examples
Example
Obviously through His own example. For the disciples, it was their Masters. For us it is the apostles and the examples of those who have gone before us.
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
4. We Get to Know Jesus through His Community
The church. The church is His Body. And we learn to love and forgive and bear with those who are different than us through commitment to His people.
4. We Get to Know Jesus through His Spirit
His Spirit is changing us and remaking us and makes the presence of Christ immediate to us as we read His Word. We know his presence.
Non-Christian—If you have not trusted in Christ, I would tell you to take the first step in seeking Him. There is a wonderful book entitled Who is Jesus? that I would like to give you if you want to get to know more about who He is. Ask questions. Seek Him. And as you look at the pages of the Bible, you cannot help to see that Jesus is different than others and more than that He is really beautiful because of what He accomplishes for sinners like you and me.
Discipleship is church-shaped.
Gospel
The Bible tells us that we were made to worship and love God. Instead, we all have turned aside from this holy and loving God. And we sinned against Him. And when we deserve His punishment because He is a righteous and holy God.
But because God is also a loving God, He sent Jesus to atone for our sins by being a substitute for us. He lived the life we should have lived, died the death we should have died, and rose again to show that God accepted His work to forgive all sinners who repent and trust in Him. And not only does He grant the benefits of salvation, he brings the sinner into His own dear family, the church.
If you are a disciple of Jesus, you will have a relationship with Him. And you will have a relationship with His people.
Disciples prioritize getting to know Jesus in His Word and through His people over a lifetime.
Local Church Community
Non-Believer-Who is Jesus?
Transition: When a disciples get to know Jesus, you know what, they will eventually be like Jesus. They will act like Him.
III. A True Disciple Imitates Jesus (vv. 14-21)
III. A True Disciple Imitates Jesus (vv. 14-21)
That is true in life. The more you spend time with people, the more you resemble them. Friends dressing the same way. Married people who begin to look alike. And that is true of followers of Jesus.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Discipleship is a matter of being with Jesus, of speaking his message, and of acting in his name by casting out demons and opposing evil. With regard to the third characteristic, the behavioral, disciples are not simply defined by what they stand for but also by what they stand against. They are commissioned to confront demonic and evil powers—however they manifest themselves—and to confront them not only in thought and word but in action.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Their names, however, like the even longer list of names in Rom 16:1–16, stand as silent witnesses to the truth that the existence of the church is indebted to the labors of those who for the most part remain unknown and unnamed.
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.
This is exactly what Jesus did.
Acts 2:
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,
IV. A True Disciple Suffers for Jesus
IV. A True Disciple Suffers for Jesus
A. Imitate Him by being Sent Out to Preach
The second purpose clause after calling the disciple is to be sent out (apostle) to preach. The apostles were to preach the good news of the kingdom. They were to be heralds and ambassadors of Christ.
True disciples will share the message of the kingdom with others. Disciples are involved in his mission. Disciples are missional. Disciples want to see the advance of the gospel.
We pray and share for people to come to know Christ.
B. Imitate Him by confronting the forces of Darkness
B. Imitate Him by confronting the forces of Darkness
True disciples will not only share the message, but if you are sharing the message rightly, then you will face the opposing forces of darkness.
Have Authority to Cast Out Demons?
Now, I believe that the apostles uniquely had this gift in the first century. We are not to go looking to cast out demons. But just as Jesus was casting out demons showing that the kingdom has come, the apostles cast out demons to confirm the authenticity and works of Jesus.
In a different way, every time we stand for Christ, and confront people with the truth of God’s word, we invite worship or we invite opposition.
Let us just look briefly at the disciples.
C. Imitate him by encountering opposition.
The Twelve Apostles
A. Peter
He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);
Peter was the leader of the group. He was the loudest and most outspoken. He would confess that Jesus is the Christ.
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
The new name is the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic Cephas, which signifies “a stone” or “a rock.”
And later become a bold preacher for the gospel after he would be restored. And by preaching the good news, Peter would be imprisoned and eventually crucified upside down for his master.
B. James and John
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
Although no preparation for this characterization has been given by the evangelist, it is appropriate to the fiery outbursts which are attributed to the two brothers at later points in the narrative.
But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
These two were also part of Jesus’ inner circle. And the apostle John went from the apostle of thunder or fire to the apostle of love. He was changed by following Jesus. And he would spend his remaining years exiled on the island of Patmos.
C. The Less Known Disciples
C. The Less Known Disciples
Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot,
Andrew must have been Peter’s brother. Philip and Nathaniel we read in John’s Gospel. Matthew who was a Tax Collector. We know Thomas as doubting Thomas. James the son of Alphaeus we know little about. And there is Simon the Zealot which means he was really radical for Jesus or He was part of a political party that wanted the overthrow of the Roman Empire.
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
In contrast to these relatively colorless names the last two are of special interest. “Cananaean” is a transliteration of the Hebrew term qannā’ signifying “jealous” or “zealous”; it is properly translated by the term “Zealot.” The designation marks Simon as one who was jealous for the honor of God. He
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Their names, however, like the even longer list of names in Rom 16:1–16, stand as silent witnesses to the truth that the existence of the church is indebted to the labors of those who for the most part remain unknown and unnamed.
D. The Betrayer
and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
And not all the followers of Jesus would follow Him to the very end. Judas we know would betray Christ for thirty pieces of silver. And he eventually hung himself because he was overcome with guilt.
udas the Betrayer
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
Judas, whose surname “Iscariot” identifies him as “the man from [the village of] Karioth.” The stigma of betrayal of the Lord is attached to his name.
“You see, the Lord Jesus Christ does not choose us on the basis of what we are, but on the basis of what He can make us. We are not brought to Christ on the basis of our merit, but on the basis of what Jesus can do in our hearts. Many persons have come to the Lord Jesus with broken lives, with little potential for good or for lasting influence. Yet the Lord with his marvelous power has molded and shaped them and turned their lives into a blessing.” Jerry Vines pg. 55
Learn to be with Jesus in Community.
“The creation of the Twelve sets up a distinction between those who indiscriminately follow him seeking healing or are caught up in the excitement of the moment with his miracles and those who are to be close to him and to receive special instruction.”
Why twelve?
Twelve tribes of Israel
Why a Mountain?
Moses climbing up Mt. Sinai to talk to God.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Jesus’ ascent of a mountain to call the Twelve has the significance of Moses’ ascent of Mt. Sinai to receive and transmit the Ten Commandments (Exod 19:1–25; 20:18–20).
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Rabbis, as we noted at 1:16–20, did not call disciples, but were chosen by their disciples, much as students today choose a college. Nor would a rabbi dare leave the impression that his person superseded the Torah. Rabbinic disciples would ideally see in their tutor a means of mastering the Torah and a model of what they themselves might become. But as described by Mark, Jesus’ program is of a different order. Jesus is the sole and exclusive subject of the call. Nothing—not even the Torah or God—is presented as more important than Jesus.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Discipleship does not consist in what disciples can do for Christ, but in what Christ can make of disciples.
Have you been with Jesus?
The point is that Jesus has a group of diverse followers. He choose the most unlikely people.
It is like a talking to a husband or wife who live like roomates? They should go through life but never communicate, experience intimacy, or shared life.
C. Disciples imitate Jesus by facing opposition like Jesus.
In Scripture. In Community. In Prayer.
Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
They are used by God. Is God using you?
Disciples are invovled in missions.
What characterizes a true disciple from the crowds?
A true disciples is with Jesus.
With all crowds, and all the popularity, the family of Jesus heard it and were trying to stop him. They were trying to control him. And they were saying you need to cool it Jesus.
A true disciple is used by Jesus.
A true disciple is
A true disciple is imitates Jesus.
A true disciple is persecuted like Jesus.
Can people say you have lost your mind for following Jesus? Are you willing to bear insult for Jesus? You need to cool it. He is being radicalized.
Jesus was trending in ancient times. News was spreading. And many followers followed Jesus for a short amount of time.
True disciples imitate Jesus by sharing the message of the kingdom, confronting the forces of evil, and encountering opposition in His name. They are willing to suffer with Him.
udas the Betrayer
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
The new name is the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic Cephas, which signifies “a stone” or “a rock.”
Sons of Thunder:
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
Although no preparation for this characterization has been given by the evangelist, it is appropriate to the fiery outbursts which are attributed to the two brothers at later points in the narrative.
Simon:
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
In contrast to these relatively colorless names the last two are of special interest. “Cananaean” is a transliteration of the Hebrew term qannā’ signifying “jealous” or “zealous”; it is properly translated by the term “Zealot.” The designation marks Simon as one who was jealous for the honor of God. He
Judas the Betrayer
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
Judas, whose surname “Iscariot” identifies him as “the man from [the village of] Karioth.” The stigma of betrayal of the Lord is attached to his name.
The Gospel of Mark 2. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 3:13–19a
The number twelve has a clear redemptive-historical significance. The Twelve represent in a new form the people of the twelve tribes, Israel. Through the choice of twelve disciples Jesus made visible his claim upon the whole people in their several divisions. The Twelve reflect backward on the prior history of the people of God as the people of the twelve tribes. In proleptic fashion they represent the final form of the messianic community, the eschatological creation of God. In the calling of the Twelve Jesus orders his work and theirs in accordance with the structure of redemptive history and its goal, the creation of the community of God.51
Summary: What is a true disciple?
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Gospel of Mark Wide Recognition of Jesus’ Authority to Heal (3:7–12)
But Mark is enough of a realist to recognise that it was primarily the hope of physical and spiritual deliverance which motivated the crowds to gather from far afield. They have not come out of pure disinterested concern to hear the message of the kingdom of God, but to witness and to benefit from his power in healing (v. 10) and exorcism (vv. 11–12).
Committed. They are so committed they are willing to make sacrifices to follow Jesus.
Prioritize being with Jesus. They prioritize being with Jesus because discipleship is following Jesus for a lifetime as He changes us and remakes us into something we once were not.
Imitate Jesus. They imitate Jesus by dong what Jesus does: preaching good news to the lost, confronting the forces of darkness, and encountering opposition for his name.
Conclusion: Are you part of the crowds? Or part of the disciples?
Crowds follow Jesus for a short time, disciples follow Him for a lifetime.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Discipleship is a matter of being with Jesus, of speaking his message, and of acting in his name by casting out demons and opposing evil. With regard to the third characteristic, the behavioral, disciples are not simply defined by what they stand for but also by what they stand against. They are commissioned to confront demonic and evil powers—however they manifest themselves—and to confront them not only in thought and word but in action.
Crowds follow Jesus only when He is popular, disciples will follow Him regardless of whether others follow Him.
Crowds follow Jesus only insofar He is useful to advance their own agenda, disciples follow Him to advance God’s agenda.
Are you part of the crowds? Or you part of the disciples?
Have you come to see Christ not only as Lord, but as lovely?
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark The New Israel (3:13–19)
Their names, however, like the even longer list of names in Rom 16:1–16, stand as silent witnesses to the truth that the existence of the church is indebted to the labors of those who for the most part remain unknown and unnamed.
Have you come to see Christ not only as a Savior, but a beautiful Savior?
Have you counted the cost in following Him because He is worth more than all the treasure of the world?
Have you committed your life to Him because He was committed to your salvation?
Have you learned to be with Him to find strength and grace for the journey ahead?
And has your life began to show the fragrance of Christ as you follow Him and imitate Him?
He calls us to be His disciples and make disciples until He returns. Let us be found faithful and true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Crowds follow Jesus only when He is popular, disciples will follow Him regardless of whether others follow Him.
Crowds follow Jesus only insofar He is useful to advance their own agenda, disciples follow Him to advance God’s agenda.
Are you part of the crowds? Or you part of the disciples?