And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach
Mark 3:14 KJV
Jesus’ actions in this verse reveal divine purpose and intention. He deliberately calls twelve men, separating them from the crowd and appointing them for a mission—to preach the good news of the Kingdom. He did not wait for volunteers; He initiates, He chooses, and He establishes a team for His divine work. Every choice He makes carries meaning—Jesus never acts without purpose. His call shapes destiny.
John 15:16 reinforces this truth: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit.” Discipleship begins with divine initiative. Luke 6:13 shows Jesus praying all night before making this decision, reminding us that every divine appointment flows from communion with the Father. Jesus does not appoint by chance—He appoints by purpose.
The next phrase, “that they should be with him,” uncovers the foundation of all true ministry. Before sending His disciples out, Jesus calls them to stay close. Relationship precedes responsibility; fellowship comes before function. Jesus values presence more than performance. He knows that intimacy with Him is the starting point of lasting ministry.
When Jesus told His early followers, “Come and see” (John 1:39), He offered communion before commission. Likewise, in Matthew 11:28-29, He says, “Come to me… and learn of me.” His invitation to rest in His presence comes before the command to serve. Every true disciple learns to draw strength from His nearness before running into His mission.
Mark continues, “that he might send them forth to preach.” Jesus doesn’t merely train His followers; He transforms them into messengers. He calls them to go and declare the good news of the Kingdom. Matthew 10:7 echoes this call: “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Later, in Mark 16:15, Jesus broadens this command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” His pattern is clear—He appoints, He abides with, and then He sends.
This divine sequence matters. Appointment leads to abiding, and abiding leads to action. When believers reverse the order—going before staying or speaking before listening—they lose direction and power. The disciples carried authority because they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 records that others recognised their boldness and realised they had been with Him. Their courage was born from fellowship, not ambition.
Just as Jesus appointed the twelve, He has also appointed you. He has placed you where you are for a divine reason. Your calling may not involve standing behind a pulpit or travelling across nations, but you still preach daily—through your words, actions, and example. Whether at home, at work, at school, or in your community, you carry His message. God’s question to you remains: “Are you preaching in the place where I’ve planted you?”
Jesus continues to call believers into this same pattern today. He still chooses, still communes, and still commissions. He expects each of His followers to live with an awareness of divine appointment. When you walk with Him, you carry His presence. When you speak of Him, you extend His kingdom. And when you obey Him, you honour His call.
Mark 3:14 is not just a historical record; it is a living pattern for every believer. Jesus calls personally, communes intimately, and commissions powerfully. You share that same divine rhythm. You have been chosen by grace, called to dwell with Him, and sent to declare His truth.
Jesus appoints before He sends, invites before He commands, and empowers before He deploys. The greatest calling always begins with being with Him—and continues with speaking for Him. You have been appointed. Now, rise and go, preaching the gospel faithfully right where you are.
Living It Out
Spend time with Jesus before you serve Him. Let your ministry—whether in your words, your work, or your witness—flow from intimacy, not activity. Remember, the power to preach, love, and live for Christ begins by being with Him. Draw near daily, and let your life proclaim His message wherever you go.