“He appointed twelve…” Mark 3:13-19
It’s a simple story that we’ve all heard. Jesus chose twelve disciples. If we thought real hard we might name most of them. Well, maybe four or five. We laugh at their mistakes (which, of course, we never would have made) and marvel at their accomplishments (which we think we could never come close to).
The books I consulted spent much of their time trying to identify these twelve men in a biographical fashion, of which there is scant information. But I found myself asking, “Why pick these particular ones?” The biggest clue we have is that he spent all the night before in prayer (Luke 6:12).
But Mark tells us a little bit more. Jesus “called to him those whom he desired.” Take a moment to think about that, because he’s still doing it. Jesus isn’t trying to fill up heaven with anyone and everyone he can cram in. He calls you and me because he wants us to be with him.
The next thing Mark says is short but important: “…and they came to him.” We are not forced to come. We want to come. Therein lies a great mystery with some differing theological ideas that try to explain it. But you don’t need the theology to hear his call and respond.
The Twelve had a very specific and unique role to perform. Jesus will teach, train and prepare them for it. We can expect no less. There is something for us to do as well. And if we don’t know how, he will show us.
Copyright 2019 David J. Cooley