What Jesus Did! 'No Accidental Band' — Mark 3:13

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.
— Mark 3:13 NLT

Key Thought

When we meet the twelve apostles of Jesus in the subsequent verses, we need to know that they were not an accidental band of misfits. Jesus chose them prayerfully. [1] They answered his call and followed him. He chose them carefully because he was about to invest much of his remaining time in training them. They would go with him and learn by being at his side — not just by hearing his message, but also by seeing his life. What are we to learn from what Jesus did? It seems to me that several lessons are important:

  1. Jesus chooses how he will use those of us who follow him — he is Lord and that is his right and responsibility.
  2. We have to answer his call to follow; he will not force us.
  3. The diversity and seeming insignificance of the apostles he chose was purposeful — Jesus sees things in us and in others that we cannot see, and he longs to use us in his cause in special ways.
[1] Luke 6:12-13.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, the giver of every good and lasting gift, please help me to see those things you have created me to do. Even more, dear Father, move me to do those things whether I think they are menial or glorious, for I know that you will use everything I offer you to your glory and for the blessing of others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 139:13-16
  • Ephesians 4:7-13
  • Romans 8:28-30

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:13 NLT — Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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