1. Jesus withdraws; the crowds follow (7-12)

Jesus risked his life to restore one man's life. He incurred the wrath of the religious leadership, and he revealed himself to be the true shepherd of Israel. So people came to him from everywhere. Each one thought his problem most urgent--so, in their eagerness, they almost pushed Jesus into the lake. He taught and healed from a small boat. Demons could not endure his presence.

2. Jesus appoints the Twelve (13-19)

Jesus spent the night in prayer (Lk 6: 12). Then he appointed 12 men to be apostles. His training course was simple: They were to be with him. Then he would send them out to preach and serve the crowds. Someday, through these men the gospel would be preached to the ends of the earth, and the good news would be passed down through history to us. Jesus concentrated on training disciples and he commands us to make disciples too.

Application: Lord, help me to be a good disciple of Jesus; also help me to be a disciple-maker.
One Word: Disciples and disciple-makers