…Mark 3:13-15 And [Jesus] 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 15 and have authority to cast out demons.
So Jesus left the sea and crowds behind, and went up on the mountain, reminiscent of the place where God met with Moses and Elijah, and called his disciples to himself. Let’s get to some old school hermeneutics here. Jesus called some people up on the mountain.
Where did he call them? To himself. Now, I consider this a significant phrase, “to him.” Not simply to be in the same geographic vicinity. “To him” means something far more significant. “To him.” Think of everything true about Christ. Come to “the good shepherd.” Come to “the bread of heaven.” Come to the “living water.” Come to the “true vine.” Come to the “rock.”
And who did Jesus call? “Those whom he desired.” Who initiates salvation? Jesus. Who calls people into discipleship? Jesus. Sometimes, people get a little overprotective of the “free will” of man. Sounds more American than biblical. As Jesus says later, “many are called, few are chosen.” Or the memory verse on the bulletin, Jesus says, “you did not choose me, but I chose you.” Embrace the sovereign work of God in Christ. Rejoice in adoption.
But now, Jesus called those whom he desired, and what did such do? “They came to him.” Ah, so we have it, human responsibility. Jesus did not put the called ones into a tractor beam with his Jedi powers and move these against their will. No, Jesus called them with authority, and they responded. I consider it a mystery to remain a mystery and embraced in wonder. How a sovereign God calls and chooses, and yet they come….
