In Mark 3 we see two contrasting groups of people – the crowd and the called.
The crowd is gathered around Jesus by the sea shore, “Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him… For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.” (Mark 3:7 & 10) The crowd saw Jesus primarily as a means to an end. They pressed around Him for what they hoped to get from Him.
The called, on the other hand, climbed up the mountain with Jesus, “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…” (Mark 3:13-14) The disciples were summoned out of the crowd primarily to be in a close, personal relationship with Jesus. Being with Him was the end goal.
The distinction between these two groups is just as real now as it was in Jesus’ day.
Most Christians have bought into an understanding of Christianity that sees Jesus (and His church) simply as a means to an end. And so they follow the crowds shopping around for an experience that best meets their needs. They tend to stay at the lowest level (sea level) where the lowest amount of effort is required.
There are a few, however, who respond to Jesus' call to something higher, something greater. They are willing to climb the mountain with Him and put effort into being with Him. They don’t see themselves as part of a crowd, but part of a chosen few. They don’t come because Jesus checks all the boxes of what they are looking for, but because He called them by name.
The crowd also leaves once their needs are met. They receive their healing, deliverance, teaching, encouragement, etc. and then go home and get on with their lives. In contrast, the called leave because Jesus sends them out to proclaim the good news. They understand that they are representatives, not just recipients.
What about you? Are you eager to move beyond low-level Christianity, seeking Jesus primarily for what He can do for you. Are you ready to climb higher and embrace Jesus’ call to be with Him and be his representative?
Are you ready to move out of the crowd and be part of the called?
The crowd is gathered around Jesus by the sea shore, “Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him… For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.” (Mark 3:7 & 10) The crowd saw Jesus primarily as a means to an end. They pressed around Him for what they hoped to get from Him.
The called, on the other hand, climbed up the mountain with Jesus, “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…” (Mark 3:13-14) The disciples were summoned out of the crowd primarily to be in a close, personal relationship with Jesus. Being with Him was the end goal.
The distinction between these two groups is just as real now as it was in Jesus’ day.
Most Christians have bought into an understanding of Christianity that sees Jesus (and His church) simply as a means to an end. And so they follow the crowds shopping around for an experience that best meets their needs. They tend to stay at the lowest level (sea level) where the lowest amount of effort is required.
There are a few, however, who respond to Jesus' call to something higher, something greater. They are willing to climb the mountain with Him and put effort into being with Him. They don’t see themselves as part of a crowd, but part of a chosen few. They don’t come because Jesus checks all the boxes of what they are looking for, but because He called them by name.
The crowd also leaves once their needs are met. They receive their healing, deliverance, teaching, encouragement, etc. and then go home and get on with their lives. In contrast, the called leave because Jesus sends them out to proclaim the good news. They understand that they are representatives, not just recipients.
What about you? Are you eager to move beyond low-level Christianity, seeking Jesus primarily for what He can do for you. Are you ready to climb higher and embrace Jesus’ call to be with Him and be his representative?
Are you ready to move out of the crowd and be part of the called?
Posted in devo