Called, Crafted, and Commissioned (Mark 3:13-19)
This sermon explores the profound invitation Jesus extends to each person to join him in his mission. It unpacks how he intentionally calls individuals, shapes them through intimate connection, and then commissions them with his authority to impact the world.
Jesus intentionally calls and shapes his followers to partner with him in spreading the good news. He empowers them to represent him in the world, not based on their own ability but on his authority.
Overview
The sermon highlights Jesus' profoundly purposeful life and his dual mission: to proclaim God's kingdom and to pass this vital work on to his followers. Using a relay race analogy, the preacher emphasizes Jesus' intentionality in empowering his disciples—and us today—to continue the mission he started.
Drawing from Mark 3, the message unfolds around three core themes: Jesus calls us, He crafts us, and He commissions us. The call is presented as a profound invitation to join God's kingdom work, akin to being chosen for a team, with the assurance that Jesus invites everyone to participate, not merely to observe.
Next, Jesus meticulously 'crafts' his disciples by directing them to simply 'be with him.' This emphasis on consistent proximity and presence is shown to shape individuals, making them more like Jesus, much as a potter molds clay. This intimate relationship with Jesus is presented as directly impacting one's effectiveness in ministry.
Finally, Jesus 'commissions' his followers, endowing them with his authority to preach and to confront darkness. The sermon makes it clear that their qualification for this work does not stem from their own abilities, but from the power and authority of the One who sends them, designating them as Christ's ambassadors to a hurting world.
Key points
- Jesus lived a life of intentional purpose, proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom.
- A key part of Jesus' mission was to empower his disciples to continue his work, like a relay race.
- Jesus 'calls us' by inviting individuals to join him in building God's kingdom, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.
- Jesus 'crafts us' by inviting us to spend time with him, shaping us to become more like him, similar to a potter and clay.
- Our effectiveness in working for Jesus is directly tied to the time we spend in his presence.
- Jesus 'commissions us' by giving his authority to preach and drive out darkness, making us his representatives.
- Our qualification for ministry comes not from our own abilities, but from the authority of Jesus who sends us.
In Rick Warren's words
“My favorite part about following Jesus is that there's no bench.”
“Your effectiveness in working for Jesus is directly tied to your time with Jesus.”
“What qualifies these 12 is not who they were, but who sent them.”
Outline
- I. Jesus Lived a Life of Purpose
- A. His primary purpose was to proclaim the good news of the gospel of the kingdom.
- B. His second purpose was to pass his mission on to us, like a relay race.
- II. Jesus Calls Us (Mark 3:13-19)
- A. He calls those he wants to join him in building God's kingdom.
- B. There is no "bench" in Jesus' ministry; everyone is invited to participate.
- C. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37-38).
- III. Jesus Crafts Us (Mark 3:14)
- A. He appointed 12 "that they might be with him."
- B. Spending consistent time with Jesus shapes us to become more like him.
- C. We are like clay, and God is the potter, molding us slowly and intentionally (Isaiah 64).
- D. Our effectiveness in working for Jesus is directly tied to our time with Jesus.
- E. People will recognize us as those who have "been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
- IV. Jesus Commissions Us (Mark 3:14-15)
- A. He sends us out "to preach and have authority to drive out demons."
- B. Our qualification for ministry is not our ability, but Jesus' authority.
- C. We are Christ's ambassadors, representing him to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).
- V. Conclusion: Accept the Invitation to the Race
- A. Don't let fear of messing up stop you; it's a privilege to be invited.
- B. Just give it your best shot.
- C. Don't let your life sit unused like a neglected gift.
- D. Participate in local serve opportunities to live out this calling.
Scripture references
13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Insights
Jesus calls ordinary people into his extraordinary purpose.
God shapes us most profoundly through simple presence with him.
Being with Jesus is the foundation for representing him well.
Questions & answers
What was Jesus' primary mission according to this sermon?
Jesus' primary mission was to proclaim the good news of the gospel of the kingdom and to empower his disciples to continue this work by passing it on to them.
How does Jesus "craft" his followers?
Jesus crafts his followers by inviting them to "be with him," emphasizing the importance of spending time in his presence. This consistent proximity shapes them to become more like him, similar to how a potter molds clay.
What qualifies individuals for ministry in Jesus' eyes, as discussed in the sermon?
What qualifies individuals for ministry is not their own ability, righteousness, knowledge, or position, but rather the authority of Jesus who sends them.
What does the sermon mean by saying "there's no bench" in following Jesus?
This means Jesus calls everyone to actively participate in ministry and building God's kingdom, rather than merely observing from the sidelines.
What does it mean to be "Christ's ambassadors"?
To be Christ's ambassadors means to be representatives of Jesus to the world, standing for what he stood for and loving those he loved, thereby making God's appeal through us.
What practical application does the sermon suggest for those feeling called?
The sermon encourages followers to say "yes" to Jesus' commissioning, not fearing mistakes, and to get started by participating in local serve opportunities like a "Serve Day."
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