E.     The continuation of serving – training disciples (Mk 1:16-20).

1.       Jesus called the 12 early in His ministry.

2.       The purpose of the 12 was to pass on the foundation of the kingdom of God.

3.       Jesus brought the 12 along with Him in His ministry so they could learn how to serve.

4.       Training is not merely teaching knowledge like the Scribes. It is to pass on life.

5.       His disciples included fishermen (Mk 1:16-20), a tax collector (Mk 2:14-17) and other professionals (Mk 3:13-19).

6.       The purpose of sending out workers was so that they could preach the gospel. In order to preach the gospel, Jesus gave them the authority to cast out demons (Mk 3:14-19). So casting out Satan is an authority given to workers.

7.       Jesus gave them private lessons. Many parables were only explained to the disciples. It was not meant for the public (TTP training cannot open to the public) (Mk 4:10).

8.       Jesus gave the disciples opportunity for practical training. Jesus organized them to go out two by two and gave them the authority to overcome Satan. Jesus taught them to work by faith. He gave them detailed instructions in terms of their missionary work. Jesus even taught them how to release frustration (Mk 6:7-13). The way the disciples preached the gospel was through the power of healing and the power of casting out demons.

9.       After practical training, Jesus listened to their reports. He then asked them to go to wilderness. This teaches us that we should not only work, but also take time to cultivate our spirituality, especially after a successful missionary journey (Mk 6:30-52).

10.    Jesus gave warning concerning the yeast of the Pharisees (Mk 8:14-21). Yeast refers to incorrect teachings, but the disciples failed to understand before receiving the Holy Spirit. They would be reminded later. The early church eventually changed her truth due to yeast that worked little-by-little. So today, we should be careful in training the right people to speak correct sermons in the church. Example: In TJC history, we had some TTP students who did not carry the TJC spirit and went out to preach on their own.

11.    Jesus trained the disciples by having them observe His life. When walking together, disciples asked questions and Jesus gave answers (Mk 9:10-13)).

12.    Jesus trained the disciples by taking them to see events and then commenting about the true meaning of that event.  For example, he brought the disciples to see how people offered money to God. Jesus told them that the widow offered the most (Mk 12:43-44).

13.    Jesus gave private lessons to Peter, James, John and Andrew concerning things of the Last days (Mk13:1, 2). Jesus told them that they should share the same message to the congregation (Mk 13:37) and reminded them to be watchful and alert.