Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. – Mark 3:13-19

This passage has gripped me for two years. In particular, two phrases have routinely rattled in my heart: “called to him those he wanted” and “that they might be with him.”

As a Christ follower and gospel preacher, I’ve always been aware of my need to be with Jesus. Through a slow, long meditation on this passage, my eyes are opening to the spiritual reality that Jesus wants to be with me.

I could wrongly hold this truth by placing the focus on me: I’m so special! Jesus wants to be with me! Yet, this passage speak to the grace of God. It points to His personal, intimate nature. He knows us better than we know ourselves – and loves us still. After all, Jesus called Peter and Judas.

Jesus called his disciples in Mark 3 to primarily live in relationship with him. Secondarily, he called them to preach his word and do his work.

Those who are “with him” partake in His great work:

• They are “with him” as he calmed the storm (Mark 3:35-41)
• They are “with him” as he fed the multitudes (Mark 6:30-34; 8:1-10)
• They are “with him” as he performed healings (scattered throughout Mark’s gospel)
• They are “with him” at the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)
• They are “with him” in the upper room for the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:22-25)

Slow down.

Breathe deep.

Hear the voice of your Good Shepherd (John 10).

Run to Him.

Be with Him.