RECEIVE CHRIST’S COMMISSION
1.Jesus chooses people for a task (14)
a) He called those He wanted (13)
b) Jesus had prayed about it (Lk. 6:12,13)
- Not the only time (1:35)
- Jesus knew the way ahead (Jn. 6:70)
c) They needed reminding of that choice as time went by (Jn. 15:16, 19)
2.Jesus sends people out with a message
Notice the stages:
a) They had to be with Him (14) - always learning:
i)Going into synagogues (3:1-6)
ii)Going into the countryside (3:7-11)
iii) Going into people’s homes (3:20-30)
iv)Listening to parables (4:1-20)
v)Listening to straight teaching (Matt. 5-7)
vi)Seeing His lifestyle/recognising who He is/why He came (8:27-31)
b) They went out with a message (14, see 6:6,7,12)
c) We have a similar experience
3.Jesus sends people out with authority (15)
a) Authority was a distinctive of the coming Messiah (Lk. 4:18).See also Lk. 4:31-36
b) Jesus’ whole life is marked by authority (Mk. 1:22,27; 2:10)
c) It’s an authority He gives to His people
i)Then it was authority to cast out evil spirits (15, cf. 6:7,13)
ii)God in His sovereignty is still doing the same
iii) Authority is expressed at every level - see Acts 4:13
iv)There
will be opposition and results
TALKING POINTS
2.THE NEED
FOR TRAININGMark 3:7-19
1.How can we get to know Jesus better as part of our training process?
2.The message the disciples had to give was `that people should repent’(6:12)Why is this an important emphasis?What emphasis dominates our message today?Should there be changes?
3.What training programmes are available to us?Look at what is already available in the local church set-up.
If necessary, how could a programme be organised?Suggest subjects to be looked at; people who could contribute.Investigate the availability of correspondence courses and/or evening classes.(e.g., contact London Bible College, Correspondence Courses, Green Lane, Northwood, Middx. HA6 2UW.)
4.How desirable or possible is it to take a year to two out to study at a Bible College?What advantages would this have for those continuing afterwards in secular work, as well as for people going into full-time Christian activity?
5.What impression of Jesus would the disciples have gained as they went around with Him?Look at the references under section 2.a.i-vi.How is this useful to them - and to us - as part of the training programme?
6.What authority do we have as Jesus’ followers today?How is it to be used?