The Priority of Being with Jesus

Scripture — Mark 3:13-15 (NRSV)

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.

Devotion

As Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God and healed the sick, his popularity grew. He was being followed by those whom he had specifically called as well as many others.

One day, Jesus went up a mountain and called out twelve from the larger group of his followers. These would be Jesus’s core team, those who would extend the ministry of the kingdom through preaching and setting people free from demonic powers. But the twelve whom Jesus identified were not just entering a preacher’s training program. At the center of their calling, they were to “be with” Jesus. Notice that’s what Mark puts first. Jesus “appointed twelve that they might be with him” (3:14).

It’s one thing to be part of the crowd around a person of fame or influence. It’s quite another to be “with” that person in a more intimate way. I think, for example, of my relationship with John Stott compared to the relationship Mark Labberton had with John Stott. When I was young, I was profoundly influenced by John Stott’s excellent writings on Christian faith, including Basic Christianity and Christian Mission in the Modern World. Once, while in college, I had the opportunity to meet John Stott and talk with him about my professional aspirations. That conversation was indeed life-changing. But I would never claim to have a personal relationship with John Stott.

It was different for my friend, Mark Labberton, who was also my leader for many years while I worked at Fuller Seminary when Mark was president. Earlier in life, Mark spent four years as John Stott’s “study assistant.” That official title doesn’t begin to convey the depth of the relationship that Mark and John had together. They did more than study. They shared life, ministry, prayer, relationships, and so much more. Mark would later speak of his relationship with John Stott as one of the most formative experiences of his life.

When Jesus called twelve to be his most intimate followers, he didn’t call them “study assistants.” But their relationship with him was not unlike the relationships John Stott had with his study assistants, including Mark Labberton. Yes, there was plenty of teaching. Yes, there was plenty of collaboration. But perhaps most importantly, there was plenty of relationship, plenty of sharing life together. Or, to use the language of Mark, there was plenty of “being with.”

This passage from Mark underscores the relational core of discipleship. We who follow Jesus are to learn his teaching. We are also to learn how to do his works. We’re to join him in the ministry of the kingdom of God. But the center of discipleship isn’t gaining theological knowledge or practical ministry skills. It’s not even doing the works of Jesus in our own day. Rather, it is being with Jesus.

Sometimes we forget this. I confess that I can get so wrapped up in learning about Jesus that I neglect to spend time with him in prayer, quiet, and worship. Perhaps you understand. Sometimes we get so involved in doing the good works of the Christian life that we don’t have time simply to be in the presence of Christ. Theological growth and acts of love are essential to the full Christian life, to be sure. But they only find their rightful place in the context of a central, vital relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

We can nurture this relationship in special times of worship, devotion, and service. But we can also “be with” Jesus each moment of each day, as we do our work, hang out with our friends and family, or get some exercise at the gym. In fact, learning to “be with” Jesus at all times is essential if we’re going to be his disciples in every part of life, including our work.

Now, let me close with a word of encouragement. If, like me, you struggle to be with Jesus, take heart! We have a promise from him that makes all the difference. It was given to his first disciples, but continues to be true for us. Shortly before he ascended to heaven, Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:20). Yes, you can do things to be with Jesus. But, most important of all, Jesus has chosen to be with you!

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: The Twelve Disciples (Mark 3:13-19).