Grade school memories . . . hmmm, how are yours? Do you remember when teams were picked for kickball? First one kid was chosen, then another . . . while you waited and waited, maybe just not as athletic as the other kids. At least the criteria was clear.
Fact is, everyone wants to be chosen.
We stood nearby the shore of the Galilee as Jesus chose his first four disciples - fishermen all. Peter, Andrew, James and John, sons of Zebedee, and then there was Matthew.
A little more time has passed--and Jesus adds seven more men to round out his inner circle: Bartholomew (also called Nathaniel), James (the elder) Judas Iscariot, Jude (or Thaddeus), Philip, Simon the Zealot, Thomas ...
Jesus chose ordinary men--poor, uneducated people
by most of our standards,
to train up, entrust to them his story and take his love to the world.
Jesus did not see them as they were,
but rather what and who they could become.
Who were they, and what were they like? Andrew was the first called one-a fisherman, who introduced others to Jesus-his main purpose in life. He must have often felt upstaged by his more famous brother, Peter, but we never have any sense of jealousy or envy.
Bartholomew (sometimes referred to as Nathaniel), of whom Jesus said, "An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."1 But besides that endorsement by Jesus, we do not know a lot about him, though church tradition indicates he was a great searcher of the Scripture and a scholar in the law and the prophets.2
If Andrew walked in the shadow of Peter, James walked in the shadow of 'the one whom Jesus loved, John, the other son of Zebedee. John was indeed the beloved disciple of Jesus, and wrote the gospel of John, the letters of 1, 2, and 3 John, and also Revelation. He was the only disciple who was not martyred; he died a natural death while exiled on the isle of Patmos.
There was a second James, the son of Alphaeus, not to be confused with Jesus' half brother James; this James was the brother of the apostle Jude. Of Jude, we know very little, except that he was also called Thaddeus, and tradition tells us he preached in Assyria and Persia, and died a martyr's death in Persia. (Interesting to note: the Romans adopted the cruel execution method of crucifixion from the Persians.)3
Judas Iscariot is remembered as the one who betrayed Jesus to the Romans. Chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve yet Judas went haywire even after living so closely with Jesus, and was able to sell him out. What happened to his heart and character is really quite mysterious.
Matthew (also called Levi) was a despised, dishonest tax collector. Yet Jesus chose him because he saw what Matthew could and would become. And of course, it was Matthew who wrote the gospel aimed at the Jewish people to convince them through Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled hundreds of years later.
We learn more about Philip, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, as the early Church was established. He knew when Jesus said 'Follow Me,' that he was called to invite others to follow the resurrected Messiah. In Acts, we read about Philip ministering with Paul to spread the gospel and leading the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ.
Simon the Zealot was identified as such not because he was zealous, (or given to zeal), but as one who sided with the revolutionary, nationalistic group vehemently opposed to Roman rule and occupation of Israel.
And if the word traitor is tied to Judas, the word 'doubting' is similarly linked to Thomas. I think he got a bad rap; come on, at least Thomas had the courage to ask if he could see and touch Jesus' wounds; he sought proof so that he could know for certain. 'Turns out, he was so certain that he was martyred by the spear in India for his loyalty to Jesus.
And then there was one. Peter. Peter was impetuous, oft impulsive; remember he cut off the ear of the Roman soldier coming to arrest and seize Jesus.4 Curious and willing to take risks, Peter also felt things keenly and loved deeply. He was one of three of Jesus' closest friends; indeed, Peter, James and John. Sadly, though Jesus warned him ahead of time, Peter denied he knew Jesus three times on the same night. He was restored to Jesus after the resurrection and was a powerful preacher and leader in the early church in Jerusalem.
God chose ordinary people to do his work. No PhD's required, no Brooks Brothers suits. However, their response to his call was critical--they willingly said 'yes' and followed him.
Would Jesus choose you?
Well, he already has, offering you a life of relationship with him.
Jesus' sign out front reads--
HELP WANTED: Imperfect people looking for growth and adventure encouraged to apply. No experience necessary, just an open, willing heart. The Management will take you as you are and train you up to fulfill your highest purpose and potential.
"Chosen" - Matthew West's new song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrpRNqiHr8E
Ready, willing, available ... pick me!!
Christine
1 - John 1.47
2 - Bible Info
3 - Crucifixion Wikipedia;
4 - John 18.10
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