Mark 3:14
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
Mark 3:14 (KJV)
Context
Mark 3:14 sits within the Gospel of Mark, which records the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ. In this verse, Jesus appoints twelve disciples to be with Him and sends them out to preach. The preceding verse, Mark 3:13, notes that Jesus went up into a mountain and called those whom He desired, underscoring His sovereign choice. The larger context of the chapter shows that Jesus selected these twelve as His closest followers, giving them authority to cast out unclean spirits (Mark 3:15) and to preach (Mark 3:14).
Meaning
The Greek word translated “ordained” (poieō) indicates that Jesus made or appointed them, establishing a formal, intentional selection. The phrase “that they should be with him” emphasizes the primary purpose of intimate companionship with Christ, which precedes and grounds their ministry. The second purpose, “that he might send them forth to preach,” shows that their calling was outward and mission-oriented. The twelve were not merely students but were being prepared as apostles, a term meaning “sent ones.” This pattern of being with Christ and then being sent is a model for all believers, though the specific office of apostle was unique to those chosen by Jesus.
Biblical connections
This verse is foundational for understanding Christian ministry: it is rooted in relationship with Jesus and expressed in proclaiming the Gospel. The calling to preach is a stewardship of God’s grace, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, where Paul describes ministers as stewards of the mysteries of God, required to be faithful. This connection shows that the apostolic calling, initiated in Mark 3:14, carries a responsibility of faithful discharge.
Application
Importance of Discipleship: Jesus prioritized investing in the lives of His disciples. He wanted them to be with Him, not just for a short period, but for a significant duration. This emphasizes the significance of discipleship and the value of spending time with Christ and learning from Him.
The Call to Ministry: Jesus’ appointment of the twelve disciples demonstrates His intention to involve His followers in the work of spreading the Gospel. Today, as believers, we are also called to share the message of salvation and participate in God’s mission to reconcile the world to Himself.
The Need for Preparation: Before sending out His disciples, Jesus ensured they were adequately prepared. They spent time learning from Him, observing His ministry, and being transformed by His teachings. This emphasizes the importance of equipping ourselves through the study of God’s Word, prayer, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit before engaging in ministry.
Reflection
Mark 3:14 highlights Jesus’ selection of the twelve disciples, their purpose to be with Him and be sent forth to preach. It underscores the importance of discipleship, the call to ministry for all believers, and the significance of preparation before engaging in service. True ministry flows from communion with Christ, not from human ability or position. This verse challenges believers to prioritize relationship with Christ over mere activity, and to recognize that all Christian service should flow from that relationship. The ordination of the twelve was a deliberate act, setting apart a group for a specific mission, which later becomes the foundation of the church’s leadership structure. This passage encourages believers to see their own calling as rooted in Christ’s initiative and to embrace both the privilege of His presence and the responsibility of His mission.
