Episode 173: Jesus Chooses
And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons. And He appointed the twelve… (Mark 3:13-16)
Jesus had been healing the sick and casting out demons. The news of His deeds caused many crowds from the surrounding area to gather around Him and press in on Him. His fame was growing but healing was not His ministry. His ministry was to select His team of disciples and prepare them for ministry after His return to Heaven.
Once again we see Jesus draw away from the crowds, up a mountain to solitude. This time He brought the men He was going to select for His team. I think it is important to notice the qualifications of the disciples in the passage. Wait. Their qualifications aren’t even listed. There is no list of pedigrees or accomplishments, no letters of distinction after their names. No royal bloodline is listed, no titles claimed. All that is said about them is that Jesus summoned them. He wanted them and He appointed them.
The men Jesus selected were all but nameless and faceless before He chose them. They were mainly teenagers at the time with the exception of Peter so life experience wasn’t a factor in their selection either. They were common, ordinary people that would go on to change the world they lived in because of the change that lived in them.
It’s encouraging to know we don’t need to impress Jesus to be called by Him. Titles are nice. Degrees are impressive. There is nothing at all wrong with the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of careers. It’s just not needed to catch the eye of Jesus. He’s not impressed with your expansive vocabulary. After all, He knew you before your lips and vocal chords were even formed. He’s not impressed with your bank account. All the wealth of this world is worth less than a penny on the pavement in heaven.
The only thing we need to do to be used by Jesus, is to obey Him. We don’t need to stack degrees, titles, or money on the table before Jesus. Our “Yes” is all He needs us to lay down. Let us be a people who strive to be used by Jesus and not concerned with impressing Him. Let us remember it is Jesus who does the choosing, the appointing, and the sending.
Love Y’all! Be Blessed!
Let Us Be A People 