Mark 3:7-18
Mark 3:7–8
“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.”
After the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him, Jesus steps away—not out of fear, but prudence. His hour has not yet come.
Earlier, Jesus traveled through Galilee preaching; now Galilee travels to Him.
People flood in from every direction: Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, the Transjordan, Tyre, and Sidon—showing that His ministry has moved far beyond local influence.
Mark 3:9–10
“Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.”
The crowds grow so large and desperate that Jesus tells His disciples to keep a small boat ready as an escape from being crushed.
People flock to Jesus primarily because He heals them.
Reflection: Why do we follow Jesus? For what He gives? Or for who He is?
Mark 3:11–12
“Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.”
Once again, the demons correctly identify Him: “You are the Son of God.”
Even spiritual enemies acknowledge His identity.
Jesus silences them, showing His authority and also preventing premature misunderstandings of His mission.
Mark 3:13–15
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
This marks a new phase in Mark’s Gospel: Jesus now focuses intentionally on forming His disciples.
Many followed Jesus up to this point—but now He selects twelve for a formal ministry of learning, preaching, and spiritual authority.
Why twelve? To symbolize the restoration of Israel.
Tom Wright:
“He was saying… this isn’t simply a great healing mission… this is the restoration we’ve all been waiting for.”
They are called first to be with Him, then to be sent.
Their calling is not just for their own sake, but for ours—so that the Gospel would be preached to all nations.
Mark 3:16–19
“These are the twelve he appointed…”
The Synoptic Gospels each list the Twelve, with slight variations in order.
Mark and Matthew list the same names; Luke is nearly identical.
Simon Peter is always listed first—his leadership is recognized even before his actions unfold.
Scripture reveals three “circles” of discipleship (Peter K. Nelson, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible):
A large group of followers (including women).
The Twelve, chosen for intimate discipleship.
Peter, James, and John, the inner circle present at key events (Transfiguration, Gethsemane).
James and John are called Boanerges, “sons of thunder,” pointing to their zeal.
Judas Iscariot is already identified as the one who will betray Him.