Jesus did not choose wealthy or respectable people because wealth would get in the way. They would be helping poor people and the poor would not feel comfortable around wealthy people. He did not choose respectable people because people like the teachers of the law would be too stubborn to accept what Jesus was saying.
Jesus started his mission by saying:
“The right time has come, turn away from your sins and believe the good news!”
Jesus saw two fishermen as he walked along the shores of Lake Galilee; it was Simon and Andrew, his brother. They were catching fish. Jesus said to them:
“Come with me and I will teach you to catch people.”
They dropped their nets at once and followed him.
He walked on a little further along the shores of Lake Galilee at which point he saw the sons of Zebedee, James and John. They were getting their nets ready, in their boats. When Jesus saw them: they went with Jesus leaving their father, Zebedee and the hired men in the boat.
The fishermen left everything and followed Jesus at once, they responded immediately. It might have been because they had seen or heard Jesus before and they wanted to be part of his work. Maybe they had seen the power of God working through him. Perhaps it was Jesus’ personality, which attracted them.
Mark wants to show us that being a disciple was not easy. They had to leave their families, friends and possessions behind and follow Jesus.
Jesus called to him twelve men. He had chosen these twelve of his disciples to become his apostles. He said that he had chosen them to be with him. He would have wanted this so that he had companionship. Jesus had chosen them to preach. He would have wanted them to preach the good news, tell people about the kingdom of God and that the kingdom is for everyone. He gave them the authority to drive out demons because it would show people that they had authority from God and it was a sign of the Messiah.
Jesus gave out a second set of instructions, five things to do and five things not to do. They were to have no beggars bag and no bread so the apostles would have to rely on other people to who they were preaching and rely on God. He said they were to have no money. This meant that money and wealth would not distract them from their mission. Also, poor people would feel more comfortable with them. No extra shirt because they only needed what was necessary. He told them not to stay if they were not welcome because if the person did not realize the message of the kingdom then they should leave immediately. He told them to take a stick and sandals with them to help them on the rocky ground, and for protection.
Jesus gave his last set of instructions after his death and resurrection. Three of the instructions were the same as before to preach, drive out demons and heal the sick. The new instructions were to speak strange tongues, not to be harmed by snakes or poison and to perform miracles. He gave them these instructions because it was sign of authority, that they were blessed by God and Gods power was working through them.
These instructions were demanding and show that their faith was being tested.
