The Master’s Men Mark 3:13-19

Mark 3:13-15 13 And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out the demons.

Mark 3:16-19 16 And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), 17 and James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, "Sons of Thunder"); 18 and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Big Idea Regardless of who you are and your own abilities, the Lord will use you for His glory if you humbly follow Him.

John MacArthur “The greatness of God’s grace is seen in His choosing the undeserving to be His people and the unqualified to do His work.”

I. Simon Peter An impetuous man (Mark 14:47; Mark 14:29-31; 72) His name – “Simon” or “Simon Peter” as he walks in the flesh; “Peter” as he walks by faith. Called simply “Peter” more often in the book of Acts Tradition says Peter was crucified upside down at his request; regarding himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

II. James and John Brothers; sons of Zebedee; fishermen Given the nickname “Boanerges” – “sons of thunder” by Jesus perhaps due to their intense passion, zealousness; aggression. (see Luke 9:52-54) Both appear self-seeking at times; even having their mother speak to Jesus on their behalf (Matthew 20:21-22).

Matthew 20:26-28 “26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

II. James and John Brothers; sons of Zebedee; fishermen Given the nickname “Boanerges” – “sons of thunder” by Jesus perhaps due to their intense passion, zealousness; aggression. (see Luke 9:52-54) Both appear self-seeking at times; even having their mother speak to Jesus on their behalf (Matthew 20:21-22). James was the first apostle martyred by Herod (Acts 12:1-2) John was the last apostle to die (around 100 AD)

III. Andrew Simon Peter’s brother Andrew was the first follower of Jesus (John 1:42) Andrew was inquisitive but more subtle about it than Peter (Mark 13:3-4) Andrew was humble, open and possessed a general lack of prejudice (Matthew 10:6; John 4; John 12:20-22) Tradition tells us Andrew was crucified for his faith on an “X” shaped cross (St. Andrews Cross)

IV. Philip From Bethsaida like Peter and Andrew Was the first follower of Philip was evangelistic telling his friend Bartholomew that they had found the Messiah (John 1:45) Philip had a practical, analytical mind (John 6:5-7 – feeding of the 5,000). Philip was more timid; bringing some Greeks first to Andrew in order to introduce them to Jesus (John 12:20-22) Tradition tells us Philip was stripped naked, hung upside down by his feet, having his legs pierced with sharp stakes causing him to slowly bleed to death.

V. Bartholomew (Nathanael) Friend of Philip Had a bit of prejudice (John 1:46) Preferred truth over skepticism/prejudice (John 1:49) Tradition tells us Bartholomew was martyred by being flayed alive

VI. Matthew (Levi – the “tax-collector) A successful, sinful tax-collector who left everything to follow Jesus (Mark 2:14-17) A man of great spiritual compassion, throwing a banquet in order to introduce other sinners to Jesus Tradition tells us Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia by being stabbed.

VII. Thomas (Didymus – “the twin”) Called “doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe Jesus was resurrected until he could see Jesus with his own eyes (John 20:24-25) Was a bit of a pessimist (John 11:6) Ministered in India and was martyred for his faith by being run through with a spear.

James (the son of Alpheus), Thaddeus, and Simon (the Zealot) Not much is known about these men James – “the lesser” – younger than James (son of Zebedee); or a small man. Ministered in Persia where tradition says he was crucified for his faith Thaddeus (also known as Judas, son of James (not Iscariot). His only words of Scripture are in John 14:22; desired Jesus to establish His earthly kingdom. Ministered in Syria and was martyred by being clubbed to death. Simon the Zealot – all we know is from his name; that he had been part of a radical political party, “the Zealots”. He was crucified in Syria.

IX. Judas Iscariot The infamous of the apostles Was intimately involved with Jesus for three years and yet remained controlled by his own sinful self-desire and covetousness. His life serves as a warning that simply “knowing” Jesus but not believing and obeying Jesus will not save a person

Big Idea Regardless of who you are and your own abilities, the Lord will use you for His glory if you humbly follow Him.

The Master’s Men Mark 3:13-19