We are BETTER TOGETHER

Text: Mark 3:13-15

Jesus established His small group---

“ And He *went up on the mountain and summoned those

whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.

And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him

and that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons.

1. SUMMONED pros-kä-le'-ō “to call to oneself”

Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Acts 16:10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

It is the divine initiative to call unto Himself those whom He has chosen.

2. WANTED the'-lō “wanted”

Understanding the Greek grammar here sheds light on the full meaning of this phrase. When it says “He called those whom He wanted,” it is implied that there is a certainty of its accomplishment. It is less a sense of desire, and more a sense of “He willed it.” He called those whom He had chosen and they came to Him.

3. APPOINTED poi-e'-ō to make, to render one anything; (Made him a knight, made her his wife) to constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one; (commissioned as an officer; certified as a nurse) to declare one anything; to put one forth, to lead him out; to make one do something; to cause one to be something

It is an act of authority declaring a thing to be so.

THEY CAME TO HIM äp-e'r-kho-mī - to depart unto (go) (come/went) to go away in order to follow any one, go after him, to follow his party, follow him as a leader. All those who were called came to Him, all those who came to Him were appointed.

The Threefold Purpose:

1. TO BE WITH HIM to accompany

Later He would talk of them being “In” Him In other places He talks of being “With” the Father and the Father “with” Him. Here is a familial term, of friendship / companions; sojourners together. (A LIFE Group)

2. THAT HE COULD SEND THEM OUT TO PREACH kā-rü's-sō to herald / proclaim

always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed

Jesus knew His time on earth was limited, but He entrusted His message, His good news, to these men to reach the world. If these appointed messengers / ambassadors / heralds did not do their job, then the plan for man’s salvation would be greatly limited.

3. AND TO HAVE AUTHORITY TO CAST OUT DEMONS Eviction - authority over spiritual princes

He anointed them with spiritual power and spiritual authority over demonic beings. This would be a practical evidence of their apostolic authority to carry on His mission.

These twelve were Jesus’ small group. It is important to note that Jesus sought out the 12 so that they would be with Him. Everyone needs friends. Everyone needs others to keep them company. God created us as social beings, we are not meant to live in isolation especially when living for God’s glory.

Some Biblical truths regarding small groups:

1. Jesus needed companions on His journey through life, and we will too.

2. Jesus took the initiative to create a small group, and others answered the invitation to join the small group. If you are not in a small group, you may need to consider starting one, or consider joining one of the ongoing small groups, or one slated to begin next month.

3. The purpose of small groups is to encourage and strengthen one another through life. We are stronger together than we are apart.