Day 6 – Lenten Devotional
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL – DAY 6 – TUESDAY, March 12, 2019
Jesus chose the Twelve Apostles for great purpose
In Luke 6:13-16; Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:14-19; and John 6:67-71 Jesus chose a subset of twelve from all of the disciples who were following Him.
Luke 6:13-16 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Matthew, Mark and Luke list the Twelve Apostles while John simply says that Jesus chose the Twelve. The lists in Matthew, Mark and Luke always put Peter first and Judas Iscariot last, and Judas the son of James listed as Thaddaeus in Mark 3:18 are the same person.
There were many disciples who were following Jesus by this point. Some because they genuinely recognized Jesus was the Messiah, some perhaps because of the miracles He was performing, some who maybe thought they were part of an exciting movement, others were happy to get free bread and fish, and the rest…who knows! What we do know is that in John 6:51-66 many “disciples” left Jesus because they could not abide by His teachings.
Disciples are those who learn under the instruction of a master teacher, a pupil of a teacher. Jesus chose twelve from these many disciples to be Apostles. Apostles are ones who are officially designated delegates sent out as messengers. Roughly 18 months into Jesus ministry these twelve were handpicked by the King of kings to serve. Yes, even Judas Iscariot the betrayer played a role in the final outcome of Jesus atoning death as the sacrifice for our sins. The Twelve (Judas Iscariot replaced with Matthias in Acts 1:24-26) went on by the power of the Holy Spirit to serve the King and began the spread of the good news of the gospel message to the whole world. Little did they know the impact they would have on future generations. Here we are 2,000 years later and we still know their names and are taught by their Holy Spirit inspired writings as the Word of God, as we follow the living Word, Jesus Christ.
REFLECT: How has God chosen you to serve Him? Are you aware of the power and authority He gives you live out the wonderful and perfect path He has for your life? Consider how Jesus Christ changed the world and only with twelve men working for Him. How can He work through you to change the world around you?
REPENT: Change your ways. Express your regret for not understanding those circumstances where God chose you to act. Confess your disobedience to Him. Pray that the Lord will help you always remember you are chosen of God for a purpose.
RESTORE: Rejoice in being a child of God, a daughter or son of the King! God has handpicked you to be part of the body of Christ and continue the mission of Christ in your church. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him. Draw closer to Christ and fulfill your heavenly purpose.
Remember Ephesians 3:20-21, 20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom Bellhy