Armed with Armor

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. -Mark 3:13-15

In today’s passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve apostles from all the disciple who were following him.  He pulls out of the crowd, a select few, giving them the charge to preach and he gave them authority to drive out demons.

It is no mistake that Jesus did both things.  You see whenever Jesus is talked about, Satan is near.  He will do his best to distract people from the gospel message.  Jesus is not concerned though, he has all authority over Satan and his demons.

The disciples Jesus picked were not perfect men.  We see time and again how they failed Jesus. Jesus does not need perfect people he needs loyal people.  Men who won’t walk away when times get tough, because they were going to get tough.  He picked men who would trust that God had a plan and it wasn’t always going to be what they expected.

Jesus knew that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in our world. Jesus picked men who could be taught to understand where the fight lies.

We all need that same understanding.  If we are going to talk about Jesus, Satan will be near, trying to distract those around us.  Our fight is not with our neighbor though, it is with the devil and his demons. We need to put on the armor of God daily and stand firm against the devils schemes.

The Shepherd's Voice

John 10:22-31 (NIV) The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus to say something they could run with. They wanted to hear Him say He was the Christ, not because they wanted to finally know the truth and follow Him. No, they wanted to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. They wanted to destroy Him and put an end to His popularity.

Jesus cleverly pointed out the miracles He had performed could only have been accomplished by God, but they discounted them. Jesus reminded them that they did not believe and therefore did not belong to Christ. On the other hand, the disciples did believe and were considered part of Jesus' flock. They recognized His voice, they respected His Words and they followed Him.

Jesus' words to the Jews we not only meant to put them in their place; to let them know He knew their heart.  These words gave comfort and purpose to his followers.  We still read them today, we still understand that Jesus cares about His own and wants us to follow Him.  We are like sheep who are lost without His love and grace.

We are living in the world ruled by Satan, but we know he is not the victor. But we must be alert, ever watchful, and always following the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name.  

John 10:22-31