the calling of christ's bride

by Toby Frost, Senior Director, Strategic Evangelism Coordination, NAMB

Mark 3:13-19

Introduction

The Church is the Bride of Christ, called by Jesus Christ for a great purpose. The word for "church" in the New Testament is "ekklesia," designating a group of "called out" followers of Jesus Christ. Although many point to Acts 2 as the establishment of the Church, the first group of called-out followers of Christ were His disciples. Jesus' calling of The Twelve, described in this passage of scripture, can give believers today a clear view of God's plan for their calling. 

1. called prayerfully (13a)

 A.  The prayer life of Jesus is one of the best-kept secrets in scripture. Before significant moments in His life and ministry, Jesus had the habit of spending extended periods of time in prayer. Before He began His earthly ministry He spent 40 days and nights in fasting and prayer. In Luke 6:12-13, when Jesus calls The Twelve He spends the night before in prayer. Even before He went to the cross, He went to the Garden of Gethsemane-preparing in prayer.

B.  The disciples knew the difference when they asked Him in Luke 11:1 not to teach them to preach, teach or heal. They knew the key to Jesus' ministry and implored, "Lord, teach us to pray."

2.  called providentially (13b)

 A.  Jesus goes to a mountain, spends the night in prayer before God the Father, then the next day He calls His disciples, and they came! Jesus taught the principle of praying for workers in Matthew 9:37-38. Now He is illustrating the principle of praying for workers in verse 13 of Mark 3. And providentially His workers came.

B.  We could learn a lesson today about the importance of praying for workers. Church nominating committees plan, promote, flatter and harangue to get Christians to work. I'm glad that a Baptist nominating committee did not call the Apostles!

3. Called purposefully (14-15)

For what purpose are we called to follow Christ? The threefold ministry of the church is clearly delineated in these verses.

A.  Ministry of Conversion - First we are called to "preach" or to proclaim the gospel. It has been said that Christians are God's "Plan A" method to share the good news, and there is no "Plan B." The Lord asks rhetorically in His Word, "How shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

B.  Ministry of Concern - Next the Apostles were charged to "heal sickness." Healing, feeding and clothing remind us that there is a social dimension to the gospel. Acts of service and ministry give legitimacy and credibility to our gospel message. But ministry alone must be accompanied by the message of the gospel or we will just be sending well-clothed and well-fed people into eternity without a Savior.

C.  Ministry of Conquest - Jesus also ordained his followers to "cast out devils." The Church is an offensive weapon designed to storm the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). How has your church thwarted the work of Satan in your community? How would your community be different if your church did not exist? These are searing questions for the Bride of Christ. The most important purpose of the Church is in a phrase we sometimes gloss over in this passage of scripture. Before preaching, ministry and spiritual warfare the Church is called "to be with Him" (Mark 3:14). Indeed, the number one commandment according to Jesus is to "love the Lord" (Mark 12:30). Fellowship with God is primary.

4. Called redemptively (16-19)

A.  The redemptive power of God is illustrated in the calling of 12 ordinary men. Peter, James, John and Andrew were fishermen, Philip was an inept complainer, Bartholomew was a racist, Matthew was a tax collector in cahoots with the Roman government, Thomas was a doubter, and Simon the Canaanite was a zealot who advocated the violent overthrow of the Roman government, and was possibly a paid assassin! Yet God used these men to turn the world upside down for Christ. The key was not in their extraordinary abilities, but in the extraordinary Lord who called them. God wants to do something so significant that onlookers will clearly see His power at work.