If you have read the article about the three purposes of Jesus’ small group, you may be wondering why caring for each other wasn’t included in the list. After all, caring for members is one of the stated or unstated purposes of most contemporary small groups.

When Jesus began his public ministry he announced:The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and Believe the Good News (Mark 1:15). These three statements frame the start and the continuation of discipleship journeys.

Matthew and Luke both include lists of the 12 disciples that formed Jesus’ small group (Matt 10:1-4, Luke 6:12-16). However the Gospel of Mark also includes three purposes for this small group.

Jesus was with his disciples in many settings like the synagogue, with crowds, on mountainsides, and visiting houses for meals. But it is clear that when he wanted to focus on their discipleship he met with them in a small group.