ACE #323: Are You Using Your Authority?

Mark 3

Jesus Appoints the Twelve

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve[a] that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

In these specific verses, Jesus appoints each of His disciples by name.  Many commentaries suggest that the number "12" was not chosen carelessly, but rather intentionally and with great care, mirroring the Twelve Tribes of Israel.  This passage also suggests that Jesus had spent some quiet time meditating and praying on the mountainside so that He could discern who would be His chosen 12.  Keep in mind that Jesus had many followers who listened to His teachings.  It states that He appointed these specific individuals and gave them the assignment of preaching and the authority to drive out demons.  Simon (Peter) was named first and Judas Iscariot named last...also with intentionality.  This indicates that Jesus knew Peter was a born leader, or authority head, while Judas would ultimately betray Him and later be replaced after His own death and after the crucifixion of Jesus. 

In Matthew 28:16-20, also on a mountainside, Jesus gave the remaining disciples all authority in heaven and on earth to make other disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey all that He commanded.

We spend so much time waiting for people to support us, agree with us, or validate us to do our ministry work.  Jesus unleashed his authority over each of his disciples THEN so that those who believe in Him, follow His teachings, and worship Him in spirit and in truth can function in their authority...freely, fearlessly, and with fervor RIGHT NOW! 

We are now part of His chosen. So today's questions is, "Are you using your authority?"  We have been appointed!