Advent 2025: Wed 24 Dec
Mark 3.13-18 The crew
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means ‘sons of thunder’), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
So much has already happened in Mark’s Gospel account, and it seems that Jesus has only now got round to finalising the list of his chosen disciples. The first four had been with Jesus for some time – it’s difficult to know how long, as there are few time markers in the text.
The choosing of the Twelve was a special occasion. Jesus invited followers to join him on a mountainside – they weren’t necessarily at the top of a mountain, but probably at a place where there was a view of the surrounding countryside. Mark is not clear as to whether twelve were invited or twelve were chosen from among those invited.
What a bunch they were, too! As to that Judas, Father God knew that he could turn. Or did he know that he would turn? Did Jesus know that, too? Possibly, possibly not. Jesus did not know everything. We’ve already seen that the Holy Spirit both led him and informed him at times.
The disciples, later apostles, were appointed to preach and drive out demons. How many bishops and clergy these days are given that same commission?!
We have covered just two and a half chapters of the shortest Gospel. There’s plenty more to read. We are encouraged to read the story repeatedly, to ponder what has been written, seeking meaning and understanding through the Holy Spirit’s unfolding of the truth or alongside a helpful book or Bible-reading notes. There will be passages that don’t make clear sense or fit in with what we’d expect. Share them and your thoughts or doubts with other people when you meet for a coffee. Come along to our morning Bible study and prayer sessions or take questions to church on a Sunday and ask someone there. It’s good to ask, and you’ll quite likely find you’re not the only one who’s unsure about some passage or topic.
Is it ok to have doubts about your faith?
Does today’s church follow the patterns of the disciples’ mission?
What will you celebrate tomorrow?
Father God, you love me. I don’t deserve your love, and there’s nothing I can do to earn it. You gave me your son Jesus. I believe and trust in him, and as I celebrate his coming to earth I look at his ministry, his suffering, death and resurrection – all to save me. Thank you, Father. Amen.
John 3.16, the best Christmas message that we never hear (well, hardly ever, at Christmas time, anyway!)
Paul