The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)

 

The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)

Among the phrases Jesus repeated often is this one: "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear." God is the Beginning (Alpha) and the End (Omega), and He is eternal (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13; 2 Corinthians 9:8). In God, there is no lack; He is abundant (Psalm 23:1; Philippians 4:19). Therefore, those who belong to God continue to be fruitful and bear overflowing fruit (John 15:5).

In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and explains its meaning. Those who hear the word, accept it, and obey it produce a crop—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown. Life without fruit is a waste and leads to destruction. Therefore, bearing fruit is essential. Fruits are the evidence of faith.

The Parable of the Sower

1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” 9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (Mark 4:1-9)

A parable conveys a deep intended meaning through an easy-to-understand story from everyday life. Jesus taught the secrets of the kingdom of heaven through many parables. For example, He said that it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. This illustrates the truth that God’s redeeming grace in Christ comes to those who realize they are spiritually ill—trapped in sin.

Jesus sat in a boat and taught the crowds gathered at the shore. Among His teachings, the parable of the sower reveals the secret of bearing fruit in the kingdom of heaven through a story about farming. In this parable, the only ground where the seed produces fruit is the good soil; the path, the rocky ground, and the thorny ground fail to produce a crop.

The seed sown in all four types of soil is identical. However, depending on the soil, it either bears fruit or it doesn't. Fruit is vital. It is a blessing and the evidence of faith. For a believer, this fruit is the fruit of the Spirit, and it is stored in heaven where it cannot be seen (Matthew 5:12, 6:4; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; James 1:12). The fruit that believers enjoy includes love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).

However, failure to bear proper fruit leads to trouble and distress, and ultimately, eternal judgment (Romans 2:8; Matthew 7:19-20). Though chosen as one of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot rejected Christ and bore bitter fruit instead of good fruit. God chose Israel and hoped they would yield good grapes, but they yielded only wild grapes (Isaiah 5:4). Instead of the fruit of justice and righteousness, they produced the bad fruit of oppression and exploitation (Isaiah 5:7).

In His great patience, God desires everyone to repent, turn back, and bear good fruit (1 John 1:9; Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9). Fruit is produced by remaining in Christ, who is the vine (John 15:1-16). All good fruit comes from heaven, not from the earth. Because there is nothing good in human nature, we cannot produce good fruit on our own (Genesis 6:5; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 7:21). Therefore, to bear fruit, we must remain in Jesus Christ, who is goodness itself.

The Purpose of the Parables

10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” (Mark 4:10-12)

The disciples asked why He spoke in parables and what they meant. Like the disciples, those who want to know the meaning—those who believe in and follow the Lord Jesus Christ—are given the secrets of the kingdom of God. This "secret" is the way of salvation. We understand it only because the Lord reveals it; no one can figure it out on their own. It cannot be understood through wealth, talent, or achievement. Parables are teachings that reveal these secrets. Those who hear and understand are given the kingdom of God.

However, to "those on the outside"—those who do not believe or follow—the parables remain just stories, and the meaning is lost on them. For instance, if a farmer hears this story and dismisses it as something he already knows without seeking the hidden secret, he cannot know the kingdom. This fulfills the prophecy: they see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand, and thus do not turn to receive forgiveness (Isaiah 6:9-10). While parables reveal the kingdom, outsiders remain ignorant because of their hardened unbelief. Because of this lack of faith, they do not reach forgiveness or salvation.

In fact, the Jews of that time saw the miracles performed by Jesus, the Son of God, with their own eyes but did not recognize Him. They heard His divine voice but did not understand. Even in the Old Testament, they heard the words of the prophets but failed to perceive the truth (Isaiah 6:9-10; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Acts 13:27). Instead, they preferred the "sweet" lies of false prophets (Jeremiah 23:16, 21; Ezekiel 2:3-7; Isaiah 30:9-11).

The Sower Sows the Word

13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The sower sows the word.” (Mark 4:13-14)

The parable of the sower serves as the foundation for interpreting all other parables. The sower sows the word. The sower is the Son of Man (Matthew 13:37). The word is the truth of God and the key to the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. God’s Word, from Genesis to Revelation, is God-breathed and is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God sows His word of truth into people. This begins with hearing. How do we hear God’s word? We can read it or meditate on it. But that’s not all. God reveals His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—to humanity through what has been made (Romans 1:19-20). Even for those who haven’t encountered the written word, the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, and their consciences bear witness (Romans 2:14-15).

Seed Sown Along the Path

"Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them." (Mark 4:15)

A heart like the path represents a hard and stubborn lack of faith. It is a heart that refuses to believe in God and rejects the Christ He sent. When they hear the word, Satan comes immediately and steals what was sown. Because this kind of heart doesn't react to the word at all, it produces no fruit. In this parable, the birds represent Satan. This doesn't mean birds are Satan, but that they serve as a symbol for him in this context. Satan refuses to obey God; instead, he opposes Him and tries to exalt himself (Isaiah 14:13). A hard heart that hears the word but does not respond is following Satan.

Seed Sown on Rocky Places

16 "Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away." (Mark 4:16-17)

A heart like rocky ground responds to the word with joy. It is moved by the truth and receives grace. It agrees with God’s word, and joy fills that heart. However, the problem is that the ground is full of rocks, so the seed cannot take root. For those who obey God’s truth, trouble and persecution follow (John 15:19), just as the world hated and persecuted Jesus (John 15:18).

They receive the word with joy and last for a bit, but they fall away and bear no fruit when faced with hardship. They stumble because they complain about their troubles. Yet, trials and pain are common to everyone (1 Corinthians 10:13). Until the moment we die, thirst and longing continue. The difficulties we face in life are evidence of God’s holy love—tools of discipline intended to help us take root and bear fruit.

Seed Sown Among Thorns

18 "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19)

A thorny heart hears the word, but worries and greed choke it out. Worry is something everyone is good at without even trying; we are all "pros" at worrying. Anxiety settles in beside us like an unwelcome friend, caused by the uncertainty of the future, the gap between our desires and reality, and the habit of comparing ourselves to others.

Worry doesn't stop there; it brings anxiety, restlessness, complaining, and stress. It is completely unhelpful. These worldly worries swallow up the word before it has a chance to grow. Therefore, God does not rebuke us for our needs but tells us to ask Him, the God who gives generously (James 1:5).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Furthermore, everyone likes money. Money is a necessity and is not wrong in itself. However, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Relying on money happens because of a lack of trust in God (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Matthew 6:24). God is the Lord of salvation who provides everything in abundance. We came into this world naked and will leave it naked (Job 1:21). Our Creator knows what we need and provides it (Matthew 6:33).

Seed Sown on Good Soil

"Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown." (Mark 4:20)

Seed that falls on good soil produces fruit—at least thirty, sixty, or a hundred times more. A good heart hears and accepts the word. It understands God’s truth and obeys. To those who hear and obey, God continues to give the grace to understand the secrets of the kingdom (Matthew 13:12).

What is obedience? The Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of obedience. He was obedient to the point of death on a cross to fulfill the Father's will. God’s will was to redeem humanity from sin through the blood of His Son. Jesus set aside His equality with God, took on human form, and became incarnate (Philippians 2:6-8). He then offered Himself as the Passover Lamb.

Then, God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said, and seated Him on the highest throne in heaven (Philippians 2:9-11). Now, whoever believes in God’s Son will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The path to bearing fruit—thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold—is open to us. That path is to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him down the road of the cross, the road of suffering, forgiveness, and love. Of course, there are challenges and pain. Though Jesus was sinless, He carried a cross of accusation, suffering, shame, and pain. This is the secret of the kingdom of heaven.

No one is "born" with good soil. Instead, everyone became children of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:2). Anyone who hears the Lord's word, repents, and turns back to Him becomes "good soil." When you turn your heart back to the Lord, you will bear abundant fruit. We cannot help but praise and thank our Father, the God of grace and mercy. Amen!

January 11, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Jesus Binds the Strong Man with His Blood (Mark 3:20-35)

 

Jesus Binds the Strong Man with His Blood (Mark 3:20-35)

How do we show love? We express it through gratitude, prayer, and gifts. But how did God demonstrate His love? He heard our groans and sighs and did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). God accepted the blood of His Son; now, for everyone who believes, He breaks the chains of sin and death, adopts them as His children, and makes them brothers of Christ—heirs to the kingdom of heaven.

In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus was accused of being out of His mind and of driving out demons by Beelzebul. However, Jesus taught how He frees us from the hands of the "strong man" (the devil). He also taught that whoever does God’s will is His brother and mother. Amen!

Jesus and Beelzebul (Mark 3:20-22)

20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” (Mark 3:20-22)

Jesus and His disciples didn't even have a moment to eat. Huge crowds kept pressing in because they heard rumors of the great things He was doing and how He healed the sick (Mark 3:8, 10). Strangely, a rumor began to spread that Jesus was "crazy." This wasn't just because He missed a few meals.

Before starting His public ministry, Jesus lived quietly as a carpenter and had not performed miracles. But suddenly, countless sick people were being healed and amazing signs appeared through Him. Furthermore, Jesus didn't shy away from direct confrontations with religious leaders regarding the Sabbath and other traditions. Even the group of disciples He chose was completely unexpected (Mark 3:13-19). News about Jesus quickly became the "national headline."

Because of this, malicious and bizarre rumors spread. To His relatives, who knew Him best, the rumor that He was out of His mind was something they couldn't ignore. So, they went out to restrain Him.

To make matters worse, the teachers of the law from Jerusalem claimed Jesus was possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. It was a baseless accusation: that His miracles didn't come from God, but from the power of demons. They maliciously tried to devalue His work because they did not belong to God, but to the devil.

We believe that demons are real. From Genesis 3 and  Job 1-2, the Bible never hesitates to reveal their reality. Jesus drove out many demons (Matthew 8:16, 12:28; Mark 1:34, 5:1-20). However, the Jews deeply misunderstood them. A demon cannot move a single finger without God’s permission (Job 1:12, 2:6). Demons are created beings—originally angels of light who were cursed after rebelling against God (Isaiah 14:12-17).

Binding the Strong Man (Mark 3:23-27)

23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” (Mark 3:23-27)

Jesus answered them: If Satan fights himself, his kingdom falls. History shows that while external invasions can destroy a nation, internal strife and jealousy often do the job first. Therefore, the claim made by the Jews was illogical and nonsensical—it was just stubbornness born of evil intent.

Jesus then used a parable to teach how to defeat the devil. In the parable, Satan is the "strong man." The devil craftily deceived the woman (who was yet without sin), and Adam ate the fruit she gave him (Genesis 3:1-6). Of course, this happened because God allowed it.

Now, God saves fallen humanity. To do this, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). People in sin are trapped in darkness, bound by the chains of Satan's lies (John 3:19-20; Ephesians 4:18). Those chains are strong and persistent. Without breaking them, there is no salvation. The problem is that no one can escape the "strong man’s" chains on their own.

The only way to be free is to receive forgiveness of sins from God, because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, God cannot simply pretend sin doesn't exist. He is holy, and no evil can stand before Him (Psalm 5:4-5; Habakkuk 1:13).

Therefore, through the sacrificial system given to Moses, God opened a way for people to approach Him through the sacrifice of animals. Through that blood, sins are forgiven, and we are no longer under the power of sin and death but under grace (Romans 6:14). Thus, those forgiven by God can stand boldly before the throne of grace (Romans 5:1-2).

The blood of those animal sacrifices pointed to the blood our Lord Jesus Christ shed on the cross (Hebrews 9:12-14, 10:4; 1 Peter 1:19; Leviticus 17:14). In this way, through His shed blood, Jesus binds the power of the strong man (Satan) and sets the believer free. Jesus healing the sick and forgiving sins was a preview of His death on the cross. Amen!

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30)

28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” (Mark 3:28-30)

There is no sin that cannot be forgiven by God's grace. Even the robber on the cross reached paradise by believing in Jesus just before he died (Luke 23:43). God overlooks our sins because of the blood of His Son (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7).

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is never forgiven. What is this? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth; He does not speak on His own but only what He hears (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit testifies that Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, is the Son of God (1 John 5:6-8; John 15:26). Therefore, blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the act of rejecting Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is the work of the antichrist (1 John 2:22).

God has sent the Holy Spirit to all who believe (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). How do we know we are obeying the Spirit? We know it when we believe in the Son and follow the path of obedience. When we believe and obey, the Holy Spirit adds assurance within us.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers (Mark 3:31-35)

31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)

Jesus' family came to get Him because they heard the rumors. They misunderstood Him too. Jesus taught who His true family is: anyone who does the will of God.

Jesus is the Creator God. Yet, He calls those redeemed by His blood His "brothers" (John 20:17; Hebrews 2:11). Who receives this grace? Those who, like Abraham and David, believe in the Son sent by God. Like the twelve disciples who struggled at first but eventually accepted the suffering Messiah through His death and resurrection.

In Adam, we were enemies of God and children of wrath, but through Christ’s blood, we were redeemed and adopted as God's children (Ephesians 2:3-6, 1:5). As Christ's siblings, we not only inherit the kingdom but also share in His sufferings (Romans 8:17).

The New Year 2026 Has Dawned

By God’s grace, we have become His children, brothers, and sisters who inherit the kingdom with Christ. We belong to Him. We have received one-sided, overwhelming grace. Those who belong to Him bear good fruit through obedience (John 15:5).

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

Let us live worthy of that grace this year, participating in the remaining sufferings of Christ with diligence, patience, and obedience (Philippians 1:27). It is possible because we are set free from the bondage of Satan by the blood of Jesus Christ. Living worthy of grace means forgiving and loving our brothers and sisters just as Christ forgave us. Not just once, but seventy-seven times a day (Matthew 18:21-22). I pray that we continue to love and forgive throughout this year.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Amen!

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Jesus Appoints the Twelve to Be With Him (Mark 3:13-19)

 

Jesus Appoints the Twelve to Be With Him (Mark 3:13-19)

How does God bestow salvation upon man? He witnesses the Gospel of salvation through people. God sought out Adam, who was hiding from His face, and gave him the Gospel of salvation (Gen 3:15). Furthermore, God called one man, Abraham, and made him the father of faith for all nations (Gen 12:1-2, Rom 4:23-25).

According to God’s will and plan established before the ages, His Son Jesus Christ took on human flesh and was incarnated on this earth (John 1:14). This was to fulfill the Word God gave through the Law and the Prophets (1 Cor 15:3-4). In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus called those he wanted and appointed twelve. This was so they might be with the Lord, that he might send them out to preach, and that they would have authority to drive out demons. Amen!

Appointing the Twelve Disciples (Mt 10:1-4; Lk 6:12-16)

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. — Mark 3:13-15

Whom did Jesus call as disciples? He called those he wanted to himself. Consequently, the disciples who were called came to Him. "Those he wants" refers to those who have received grace (Luke 1:28). Salvation is entirely by God's grace (Eph 2:8). Those who receive grace respond to that calling with faith (Luke 1:38). Abraham responded to God’s call with faith, leaving his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to the land the Lord directed (Gen 12:1-2). He was established as the father of faith.

It is impossible for a person to come to God unless they are called. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" (John 6:44). It is not man who chooses God, but God who chooses us. How can we be sure of God’s election? It is by responding with faith to the love of God’s drawing. For example, we understand God’s Word, are moved by it, and act according to that Word.

What was the purpose of Jesus appointing the twelve? First, Jesus called and appointed them to be with Him. God is "Immanuel," which means "God with us" (Isa 7:14). Just as His name suggests, God will never abandon us (John 14:18). If God is for us, no one can oppose or defeat us (Rom 8:31).

God being with us means He protects and guides us. Jesus protected and kept the disciples who came to Him (John 17:12). He advocated for them and saved them from all harm (Mark 2:23-28). Jesus told the disciples following Him that they would receive a hundred times as much in this present age—along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:30).

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." — Psalm 23:4

How do we know God is with us? We can know by seeing if we hear and obey the Lord's Word. Jesus said that the Father knows Him and He knows the Father (John 10:15). Jesus came from the Father and submitted to His will, being obedient even unto death (Phil 2:8). This is the evidence that Jesus came from the Father. Those who belong to God know God and obey His Word, but those who do not belong to God do not listen to His words (1 John 4:6).

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27

Additionally, Jesus wanted to send the disciples out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Preaching means delivering good news. It is sharing the Gospel of salvation. An angel delivered "good news that will cause great joy for all the people" to shepherds tending sheep at night: that a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born in the town of David (Luke 2:10-11). How is Jesus’ coming such great joy and good news? It is because Jesus saves His people from their sins (Matt 1:21).

Preaching is delivering the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, who was born as the Son of God. However, preaching does not stop at words; it is important to set an example through one’s life. Our Lord Jesus Christ showed that example. Jesus taught His disciples to love their enemies, and He Himself gave His life as a sacrificial offering on the cross for us while we were still enemies (Matt 5:44, Rom 5:10). Jesus told His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23, Matt 16:24, Mark 8:34). Jesus obeyed the Father according to His Word and bore the cross of suffering (Phil 2:5-8).

How do the disciples preach the Gospel that brings salvation? They do not preach by their own strength or ability, but by the Lord’s power and authority (Matt 10:1-15). This is the same way Jesus came to this earth and preached the Gospel of salvation. Jesus taught and performed signs and wonders through the power and authority of the Heavenly Father (John 5:19). Jesus offered His body as a living sacrifice before God, and through His Son, God revealed His glory, majesty, power, and authority through teachings, signs, and wonders.

Jesus promised to send the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to His disciples (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Jesus could not remain with His disciples in a physical body indefinitely (John 14:19). However, Jesus did not leave them as orphans (John 14:18). Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them always, to the very end of the age (Matt 28:20).

Just as our model, the Lord Jesus Christ, preached the Gospel of salvation with the power and authority of the Heavenly Father, His disciples also preach the Gospel of salvation to the whole world with the power and authority poured out by the Lord. For this purpose, Jesus called the disciples and gave them the authority, power, and wisdom necessary to preach the Gospel. Amen!

The Authority of the Believer and the Nature of Spirits

Jesus gave his disciples authority and power to drive out demons. The devil, Satan, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Just as he deceived the woman in the Garden of Eden, today he continues to confuse and mislead people by mixing lies with the truth through sweet-sounding words (Genesis 3:1).

Therefore, demons do not belong to God. They rebel against, reject, and oppose Him. Even after seeing God in His majesty and glory, they refused to submit and were disobedient; thus, they have been placed under eternal judgment (John 16:11).

How do we drive out demons? It is through faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith is obedience. That obedience means taking up the cross, just as the Lord Jesus Christ set the example. Submitting to God is how we resist the devil. In other words, to be disobedient is to do the work of the devil.

In the past, everyone was an enemy of God—objects of wrath who lived in disobedience (Ephesians 2:3). However, in Christ, we have been forgiven of the sin of disobedience and have become new creations who obey (2 Corinthians 5:17). Since we have received the Spirit of obedience in Christ, we no longer follow the devil but follow the Lord Jehovah God alone (Acts 5:32).

The Appointment of the Twelve

16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:16-19)

Jesus appointed twelve from among those he wanted. Most of them were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. They were ordinary people—young men from Jewish homes who were accustomed to keeping the Torah and the festivals. They all longingly awaited a Messiah who would liberate Israel from the hand of Rome.

Peter (“the Rock”), while fishing with his brother Andrew, left his nets and followed the Lord when He called (Mark 1:16-18). Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist; he followed the Lord and invited his brother Simon, telling him they had found the Messiah (John 1:40-41). They dreamed that Jesus of Nazareth would become the King of Israel and establish an earthly Messianic kingdom.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, earned the nickname "Sons of Thunder." Once, when the Samaritans rejected Jesus as He headed toward Jerusalem, James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy them (Luke 9:51-54). Furthermore, on the way to Jerusalem, they asked to sit one at Jesus' right hand and the other at His left in His glory (Mark 10:37).

Matthew’s occupation was that of a tax collector, a group considered public sinners. Philip, upon hearing Jesus tell a large crowd to give them something to eat, remarked that it would take more than half a year’s wages (two hundred denarii) to buy enough bread (Mark 6:37). Bartholomew is also known as Nathanael; when he came to Jesus at Philip’s invitation, the Lord said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false" (John 1:47). Thomas, also called Didymus (the twin), said he would not believe unless he saw with his own eyes, even after hearing that Jesus had appeared in His resurrected body to the other disciples while he was absent (John 20:25).

The Path of the Cross and Martyrdom

The most difficult thing for the young disciples was accepting a suffering Messiah. When Jesus spoke of how He must suffer, die, and be raised to life on the third day, Peter insisted that such a thing should never happen (Matthew 16:22). Although Jesus repeatedly taught them that He would rise again after suffering, they were filled with grief and did not understand any of it (Matthew 17:23; Luke 18:34).

Among them, Judas Iscariot ultimately betrayed Jesus and handed Him over for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus had appointed him as one of the Twelve and revealed the secrets of the kingdom of heaven before him. Through His words, signs, and wonders, Jesus showed that He was indeed the Christ of God prophesied by the Law and the Prophets. However, Judas refused to believe until the end and chose his own way (John 13:30).

But the other disciples, after the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again, accepted the suffering Christ in their hearts and followed the way of the cross that the Lord had walked. James was the first to be martyred, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, and Peter was martyred by being crucified upside down. The disciples followed the thorny path of suffering that the Lord walked, martyred while preaching the gospel. Some among them left the Gospel of Christ in writing: Matthew recorded the Gospel of Matthew, and John recorded the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and Revelation.

Looking Forward to 2026

Just as Jesus appointed the Twelve in the first century, He has called each of us today. This is so that we might be with Him, go out to preach, and have the power to drive out demons. Throughout this past year, God has protected us, guided us, and been "Immanuel" with us according to His promise. We offer thanks and praise for that grace.

As the new year 2026 approaches, we believe our Lord will lead us and bestow grace upon grace. In gratitude for the Lord's grace, we desire to follow the way He went first—the way of the cross—and participate in the remainder of His sufferings. Amen!

December 28, 2025

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Scripture quotes are from the NIV.