Mark 3:13-19

A little number background
Mark 3:13-19

Today we find some numbers in the text.  What are these numbers, and what significance did they have in Jewish culture?  Also, Jesus finds some disciples.  Find out who they were.

In this snippet of scripture, Jesus names his twelve disciples.  Why twelve?  As we get into the Bible more and more, you will see a host of special numbers (1, 3, 6, 7, 12, 40, etc).  The Hebrews made symbolic use of numbers, so the numbers themselves mean something.  Knowledge of these special numbers can enhance your understanding of the scripture.  One (1) is God, or unity; Three (3) is the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost); Six (6) is “less than perfect,” or evil; Seven (7) is “perfect,” or holy; Twelve (12) is the number of tribes of Israel, God’s chosen people; Forty means (40) “a long time.”

So… Today, Jesus, being one with God, and part of the trinity, chooses twelve who will represent His chosen people.  Let’s meet the twelve:

Simon, whom Jesus named Peter (which means “the rock”)
James, son of Zebedee
John, son of Zebedee (both sons of Zebedee were known as the “sons of thunder, perhaps because of their youth, zeal, and energy)
Andrew
Philip
Bartholomew
Matthew (the tax collector)
Thomas (the doubter)
James, son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus (also named Judas)
Simon “the Zealot” (Zealots were fanatics against Rome)
Judas Iscariot (who eventually betrayed Jesus)

Peter, John and Matthew eventually write parts of the New Testament that we see today.  All eleven (Judas Iscariot Being dead) go out in all directions to preach the Good News after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Mark, whose Gospel we’re in today, was not one of the twelve disciples, but may have been follower of Jesus, and was a follower of Peter.  His Gospel is based on Peter’s account, as told to him.  There is a book of James in the New Testament, but it was probably not written by either of the disciples named James, but by Jesus’ half brother James, who became the first official leader of the church after Jesus ascended.  Of the twelve disciples, only John died of old age.  The rest were martyred (killed in nasty ways) for their teaching of Jesus.