In Acts 11 we learn that the “disciples” began to be known by a new name “Christian,” which means, if you claim the name “Christian” you are actually a disciple…
13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
Mark 3:13-14
When Jesus called the disciples, He went to a specific place.
This man struggled with a major disability, but he had friends…
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Mark 2:9-12
The faith of our friends can save us!
Sometimes life is a beast.
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Mark 1:12-13
Jesus had to face temptation, he wanted to understand what we go through. He went into the desert and was tempted and had to deal with wild animals, but he had help. So too with us, maybe our “wild animals” are not actual wild animals, but it could be stress, frustration, the feeling of being behind, the way people treat you… we’ve all been there. When the beasts of life attack, just breathe. Know that Jesus knows frustration too. He will be there for you. Just hang in there, hang on, you can do it. You never know what amazing plans God has for you after you get back from the desert, you can do it, He can help!
What should we be doing?
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matt 28:16-20
Our lives are meant for purpose, we have a job to do. So why don’t we do it? In the great commission, we are told what to do. So we need to get out there, every one of us, every day, and get busy doing it!
There are events in our lives that change everything, do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:51-54
Jesus’ death changed everything, for everyone, for all time.
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