Jesus Chooses The Twelve Apostles
JESUS CHOOSES THE TWELVE APOSTLES
LUKE 6:12-19
Notice what a mixed bunch of people Jesus chose: their different backgrounds and temperaments were remarkable—perhaps like people in your church!
Worn by the conflict with the Pharisees the Lord withdrew for a time of close communion with his Father from whom he always drew strength and sustenance. Such times of peace and withdrawal are necessary nourishment and healing. Abraham went to “the place where he stood before the Lord,” Habakkuk to his “watchtower.” A walk alone can be a time of rich fellowship with God, and nature an aid to such communion. He sought not only the refreshment of withdrawal from the place of bitterness and conflict and the disturbing presence of evil. He was seeking the mind of his Father for the great task of choosing his men (John 15:16). Perhaps he faced the dread problem of Judas. It sometimes seems as if God can act on two planes, that which his omniscience knows will be, and that which might have been but for the rebel will of man. Judas, perhaps an able man, had his great opportunity.
Read the lists in Acts 1:13, Matthew 10:2-4 and Mark 3:16-19. The Nathanael of John 1:45 is Bartholomew, a surname meaning “the son of Ptolemy.” Matthew is Levi, and Judas, the son of James, is Thaddeus. Peter is always mentioned first and Judas from Kerioth (Iscariot) last. These men were not the “band of ragamuffins” of Frederick of Prussia’s phrase. They were all busy men as far as we can envisage their daily life, not without property, successful in their way of life, and with much to give up (Mark 10:28-31).
They were called apostles, “special messengers” or “envoys.” The word means “one sent.” The word implies a goal and a purpose and a task to perform. “I have chosen you, and so placed you, that you should go and produce fruit …” runs John 15:16, literally rendered. And look again at the renewal of the commission in Acts 1:8.
These were the men who were to change the course of all history. It is instructive to study them individually. Many are mentioned more than once. To keep a notebook and list all incidences and utterances of each apostle under his own name is to be impressed with the distinct and recognizable character which takes shape. God takes us as we are and variously expresses himself through the differing facets of our personality. Our unreserved committal is what he requires of us.