How does Mark 3:14 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Seed of the Mission: Mark 3:14 “He appointed twelve—designating them as apostles—to accompany Him, and to be sent out to preach”. • The Lord’s two-fold purpose: – “to accompany Him” – relationship first. – “to be sent out to preach” – mission flows from relationship. • “Apostles” literally means “sent ones,” hinting that their identity is tied to future commissioning. • The verse shows the pattern Jesus will later apply to the whole church: presence with Him, then proclamation for Him. The Full Flower: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age”. • Same two elements expanded: – Presence: “I am with you always.” – Proclamation: “go and make disciples … teaching.” • Now the scope is “all nations,” moving the earlier, smaller mission outward without limit (cf. Acts 1:8). Connecting Threads Between the Two Passages 1. Identity and Authority • Mark 3:14–15 adds “authority to drive out demons.” • Matthew 28:18 (preceding the Great Commission): “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • The Twelve receive delegated authority early; at the resurrection Jesus grounds the universal mission in His complete authority. 2. Presence With Christ • Mark: “to accompany Him.” Discipleship begins by staying near Jesus (John 15:4). • Matthew: “I am with you always.” Even as they disperse, the same presence goes with them through the Spirit (John 14:16-17). 3. Purpose of Being Sent • Mark: “to be sent out to preach.” Initial focus is heralding the kingdom to Israel (Mark 6:7-12). • Matthew: “make disciples … teaching them to observe.” Preaching now includes baptizing, forming lifelong learners, and transmitting the whole counsel of Christ (Acts 2:42). 4. Progression From Training to Deployment • Three years of “being with Him” (Mark 3:14) shape character, doctrine, and confidence. • The resurrection moment (Matthew 28) signals graduation day; the trainees become worldwide disciple-makers (2 Timothy 2:2). Why the Link Matters for Us Today • Discipleship still holds the same rhythm: 1. Draw near to Jesus in communion and obedience. 2. Go out under His authority to preach, baptize, teach, and multiply. • The local church mirrors this pattern—gathered for worship and fellowship, scattered for witness (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:9). • Confidence flows from His promised presence. What began on a Galilean hillside (Mark 3) is sustained to “the end of the age” (Matthew 28). Key Takeaways • Mark 3:14 is the embryonic form of the Great Commission, revealing Jesus’ strategic intent from the start. • Both passages affirm that mission is relational (with Christ) before it is functional (for Christ). • Authority, presence, and purpose unite the calling of the Twelve with the ongoing mandate of every believer. |
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