CHOSEN TWELVE (12)

(Message by Tanny Keng) 

0. Introduction

a) Chosen twelve

i) 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13-19 NIV)

1. What is the text all about?

a) From the hundreds of people who followed him from place to place, Jesus chose 12 to "be with him" and be sent out "to preach." He did not choose these 12 to be his associates and companions because of their faith; their faith often faltered. He didn't choose them because of their talent and ability; no one stood out with unusual ability. The disciples represented a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, but apparently they had no more leadership potential than those who were not chosen. The one characteristic they all shared was their willingness to obey Jesus.

b) After Jesus' ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out special roles in the growth of the early church. We should not disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we do not have the expected credentials. Being good disciple is simple a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.

c) Why did Jesus choose 12 men? The number 12 corresponds to the 12 tribes of Isreal (see Matthew 19:28), showing the continuity between the old religious system and the new one based on Jesus' message.

i) 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28 NIV)

d) Many people followed Jesus, but these 12 received the most intense training. We see the impact of these men throughout the rest of the New Testament.

e) Simon the Canaanite is also called Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were Jewish nationalists who opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine.

2. Prayer focus

a) Pray that through our lives, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us for Christ.


The End ...

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