In chapter 3 Mark relates another confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over the Sabbath. When the man's shrivelled hand was completely restored, the Pharisees "went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus" (verse 6). But then we read that Jesus withdrew with His disciples (verse 7), so that with distance between Himself and the opposition His ministry might continue. The focus is now upon the appointing of the twelve apostles in verses 13-19. These men would continue their apostolic ministry after Christ was risen and ascended.

1. The Danger of a Stubborn Heart, verses 1-6.

We notice as Jesus entered the synagogue there were those looking for a reason to accuse Him, so they watched Him closely (verse 2). They were religious people and we would anticipate that they would welcome Jesus, but He did not measure up to their anticipations for the Messiah. He was already challenging their traditions, posing questions they could not answer. Perhaps they were jealous, for His ministry was attracting great attention and many crowds. Maybe they were fearful that their power base would be threatened if this continued. But the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ always divides. It causes divisions in the world today. There are 'religious' people who vehemently oppose Christianity and the Cross of Christ. The truth is that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), and that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Aware of the intense opposition, Jesus invited the man with the shrivelled hand to stand up so that everyone could see him. Jesus then asked a question in verse 4, but it wasn't answered! Matthew records that Jesus asked, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!" (Matthew 12:12). There is perfect logic here; Jesus was doing something good on the Sabbath; He was showing love and mercy to a man in need. All they could do was to criticise and scheme! We need to beware of becoming Pharisaic and critical when the ministry of Jesus is being blessed.

Whilst they were looking for a reason to accuse Him (verse 2), He looked at them in anger and was deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts (verse 5). This was the righteous anger of our Lord. He reacted to their unmovable position. Their hearts were hardened, their minds were made up. We see the danger of a stubborn heart, which is the result of sin. Sin binds us and then blinds us, so that we no longer see it as sin. Sin deafens and then deadens, until we lose our sensitivity to it. See James 1:15, and compare with Job 15:35, Psalm 7:14, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 4:4. The scene is sadly set for Jesus' teaching on the unpardonable sin in verse 29! Don't let your heart become hard.

2. The Ministry of Jesus Continues, verses 7-12.

The ministry of Jesus Christ will continue – it will not be stopped! So He withdrew from the dubious coalition of the Pharisees and Herodians (verse 7). He did not withdraw because of fear. A day would come when He would lay down His life for their sin (John 10:17,18); compare with Matthew 26:53,54. He withdrew because He must carry on His ministry. He distanced Himself from the opposition. Sometimes we need to do this. Criticism, opposition and outright hostility can distract and divert our minds from our godly calling. Jesus separated Himself from them in order to carry on the ministry His Father had given Him. And the result? – "a large crowd from Galilee followed" (verse 7). No doubt they were ordinary people who in simple judgment saw the truth of Christ's words and the impact of His miracles. Verse 8 tells us that they came from everywhere!

3. The Apostles are Appointed, verses 13-19.

Luke records that before Jesus appointed the twelve, He spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12,13). These were important appointments. For whilst the Pharisees were plotting to kill Him, Jesus appointed those who would continue the ministry after His resurrection and ascension. These men were the gift of Christ to the Church. He chose them, called them and appointed them. Their preaching and teaching on the person and work of Christ would be the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). Their authority was from Christ and their power would be given by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Having selected these men, Jesus had three things in mind:

• to teach them. Notice verse 14, "that they might be with him." He would spend time with them, to prepare them, teach them and send them out. See Acts 4:13. We need to spend time with Him in Bible reading, meditation and prayer, that we might grow in grace and be equipped to serve Him. In turn these men would be instrumental in teaching and training others See 2 Timothy 2:2, and compare with Acts 11:26; 15:35; 18:11, 25.
• to send them out to preach – verse 14. Already we have seen in Mark that His focus was on teaching and preaching. He trained them to be preachers of the gospel of Christ. See Romans 10:14,15; 2 Timothy 4:2.
• to give them authority to drive out demons – verse 15. The authority here would be not only to drive out demons from individuals, but to have authority over the powers of darkness in the world. We face a powerful, subtle enemy, Satan and his forces, see 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12. But Christ has triumphed over him on the Cross, and we are on the victory side, see Colossians 2:14,15, and compare with John 16:33; Revelation 3:21.