Complimentary Story
March 2022None had an impressive resume’. All were chosen unexpectedly. Not one of the twelve was equipped for the work that lay ahead of them. From a human vantage point all would have been on the “disqualified” list.
Jesus had other plans for those first disciples. He chose them with a vision for the future. He foresaw the potential that they would fulfill. Jesus saw, what to them was a mystery, when He extended the call: “Follow Me!”
We can only begin to imagine what it was like for Peter, James, John and Andrew when Jesus came to them on that sea shore…when they witnessed the massive catch of fish that filled their boats (Luke 5:1-7). In the midst of their challenged thoughts and emotions they heard the words about “catching men” (v.10b). They left the known behind and entered into the unknown.
And what about Matthew? Here was a man whose life was very likely filled with greed and betrayal of his fellow Jews. He was a hated tax collector whose employer was the Roman government. Jesus came to him with the same invitation: “Follow Me” (v.27)! He, too, left his former life to step into a far less secure future.
We know the rest of the chosen disciples by name (6:13-16). Yet their backgrounds are unknown. What is known is that none were trained as leaders, let alone, religious leaders. There connection with Jesus only added more questions about the identity of their Master.
Now for a pivotal question — What did Jesus see? He saw leaders-in-the-rough. Jesus observed students with potential. He saw past their rough exteriors, and saw moldable hearts. Jesus had a vision for a new Church in which these men would carry-out a pivotal role. He had faith in the yet unseen.
We need to appreciate Jesus’ view of a “disciple” — as “a passionate follower who knows Christ…grows in Christ…and shows Christ to a desperate, dying world.” This definition is changeless.
So we move to the present context. Nothing has changed. There remains a deep need for passionate followers of Christ. Going out to have an impact on a desperate, dying world defines the mission — just as in the days of the early Church as outlined in the book of Acts.
We need to hear the call to be one chosen. Jesus is calling... “Follow Me!”
Pastor Dan Kohn
Author of Discipleship In The Postmodern Age
(715) 610-2400 / RevKohn@gmail.com
