Big Idea: Jesus again leaves the urban setting for a ministry at the Sea of Galilee, healing the sick and demonstrating authority over all powers. At the same time, we see the second stage of discipleship as Jesus elects and empowers twelve disciples/apostles, making them the restored new Israel.

Understanding the Text

This passage (3:7–12) begins a new section of ministry by the lake (3:7–6:6). At the same time, it starts another cycle in Mark (defined by Jesus’s ministry to the disciples, the crowds, and the leaders). William Lane makes a convincing point that the first two sections begin the same way, with a summary statement (1:14–15 = 3:7–12) followed by the election of the disciples (1:16–20 = 3:13–19).1In this sense, there are two cycles in this section, 3:7–4:34; 4:35–6:6, and in…