Read: Mark 3:1-9
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons
Mark 1:13-15
Jesus called His disciples and they came to Him.
Great crowds came to Jesus from distant places. It seems that this crowd was attracted to Jesus more because of His miraculous works rather than His message. We also see that demons recognized Jesus for who He was, the divine Son of God, but their cries of recognition were more to control him rather than love or worship Him. Why do you and I follow Jesus because of what He can do or because of who He is?
Jesus chose His twelve disciples. This was probably the next most critical part of His ministry besides the cross itself. These were the men who would carry on what He started; without them, the work of Jesus would never extend throughout the whole world. A disciple was a student, but not in a classroom and lecture sense. A disciple learned by being with and hearing from his master. A disciple was an apprentice and learned from the master first-hand. The first job of the disciples was simply to be with Jesus, to learn from being around Him. Then, in a secondary sense, He chose them so that He might send them out to preach.
Our first criterion as Jesus’ followers or disciples is to be with Him. Spending time in His presence allows us to learn from Him and be transformed into His likeness. We are called to abide in Him because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. Being with Jesus brings peace and rest to our souls, and we can learn from Him as our Teacher and Guide. Jesus took time away from the busyness of life to be with His Father (Mark 6:31).
Being with Jesus is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. As we remain in Him, we bear fruit, find rest, and learn from Him as our teacher and guide. May we prioritize spending time with Jesus in our daily lives, so that we can be transformed by His love and grace. Will you ask God to help you follow Him?
What motivates you to follow Jesus? Is it primarily because of what He can do for you, or because of who He is? How much time do you spend with Jesus on a daily basis? What are some practical steps you can take to prioritize time with Him?
How does spending time with Jesus impact your attitudes and behaviors towards others? Are there any changes you need to make in order to better reflect His love and grace to those around you?
Prayer
Lord, I want more and more of you. Help me experience your presence more each day, I pray, Amen.
Scripture Writing: John 15:5
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