Mark 3:13-19 “People of the New Covenant”

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective
• Send Me – Bethel Music | Jenn Johnson Feat Chris Quilala
• You Make Me Brave – Bethel Music
• His Kingdom – Isaiah6tyOne (Korean Praise with Eng Sub)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Every Disciple in the Bible (and How They Met Jesus) | Bible Stories for Kids
• Your Power Will Pull Us Through | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Stand Together | Kingdom Rock VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Me And My House – Preschool Worship Song
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After the crowd dispersed, Jesus went up to a mountain and called to himself the ones he “wanted” (verse 13). He chose twelve to set apart as his disciples (verse 14). The brackets in some translations indicate uncertainty about whether the wording was original to Mark or added later by scribes. For the Jewish people, “going up the mountain” held spiritual significance and represented drawing closer to God. The number twelve also symbolized completeness. The nation of Israel was originally formed from twelve tribes, but by Jesus’ time, only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained—most of the others had been lost. By appointing twelve disciples (later known as apostles), Jesus symbolized his intent to establish people of the new covenant, a new Israel, through his ministry. The twelve disciples represented the leaders of this new spiritual community, akin to the patriarchs of the original twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus did not choose the disciples merely for symbolic reasons. First, he called them “to be with him” (verse 14). This meant they would live alongside him, learning as his disciples and being trained like apprentices. Second, he sent them out after training them to do the work he had begun. They were tasked with preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God and casting out demons. And they became known as “sent ones”—“apostles.”

Earlier, Mark recounted the calling of five disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Levi (Mark 1:16-20; 2:13-14). However, he did not describe how the remaining seven disciples were called. Among the twelve, Peter, James, and John formed the “inner circle.” Jesus allowed these three to witness significant events that the others did not (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33). Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector. The group also included Simon the Zealot, a revolutionary fighter seeking liberation from Roman rule. The surname “Iscariot” attached to Judas (verse 19) may also mean “assassin.” Little is known about the remaining disciples, but their inclusion shows how Jesus chose a diverse group of people to carry out his mission.

Meditation:

God began the history of His chosen people by calling Abraham. He selected one nation to be His chosen people in order to bring salvation to all nations. The twelve sons of Jacob grew into twelve tribes, forming a nation. During a seven-year famine, they sought refuge in Egypt but eventually became enslaved. Four hundred years later, God delivered the Israelites from slavery through Moses and led them to settle in the land of Canaan. God’s purpose was to make Israel a kingdom of priests so that all nations could become God’s people.

Unfortunately, Israel failed to live according to its calling to be a kingdom of priests. When Israel fell into spiritual failure, ten of the twelve tribes were scattered and disappeared, leaving only two tribes. In response, God sent prophets to proclaim that one day, through the Messiah, He would restore the scattered people of Israel. However, that promise remained unfulfilled for over 500 years, and those who believed in God found themselves in a state of despair.

After Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, he subtly revealed his true identity in a way that only those with ears to hear could understand. Referring to himself as the “Son of Man,” calling Himself the “Lord of the Sabbath,” and using the metaphor of the bridegroom at the wedding banquet were all clues to his identity. His teachings were unlike other teachers of the law, and the miracles he performed were unprecedented. Anyone who paid close attention to his words and observed his actions would have inevitably asked, “Who is this man?”

To those who wondered about his true identity, Jesus gave another significant clue—he chose twelve disciples from among his followers. This action was a clear reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel that had failed in their calling. In reality, Jesus had a plan to establish a new Israel through himself. This new Israel would not be defined by ancestry but by faith. The calling that had once been given to Israel as a nation was now entrusted to the new Israel—the Church—formed by faith. Those who believe in Jesus Christ have become part of this new covenant people—the new Israel. We are called to live as a kingdom of priests, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. By fulfilling this calling, the way will be opened for all nations to become God’s people.

Prayer:

Lord, I used to think believing in you was only about being saved and going to heaven after I die. But now I understand that it means becoming a part of your new covenant people, being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and living as part of your kingdom of priests. I now realize the true meaning of confessing, “I believe in the holy, universal Church.” Thank you for making me, who is undeserving, a part of your people. Please transform me so I may live as a true citizen of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: We are part of God’s new covenant people not because of our background or achievements but because of our faith in Jesus Christ. As members of his kingdom, we are called to live lives that reflect God’s love, truth, and grace, sharing his message with others and serving with humility and compassion.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • How many disciples did Jesus choose?
  • Jesus wanted his disciples to be with him and to help others. How can you be with Jesus every day?
  • Is there a time when you felt like God chose you for something special? How did it make you feel?

• For Middle School
  • The disciples were chosen to spread the good news and live as representatives of God. How is this similar to how we live today as part of the Church?
  • How can you live out your calling to serve and show God’s love in your school, home, or community?

• For High School
  • How does being part of God’s new covenant people shape your identity?
  • How can you practice living as a follower of Christ, even when it’s difficult or unpopular?

• Family Discussion Question:
  • How can our family live as part of God’s people together?