Friday, March 4th, 2022
“He appointed twelve that they might be with him.” —Mark 3:14 (NIV)
“I have called you friends, . . . Love each other as I have loved you.” —John 15:15, 12
Today, we will be reading a story from Mark 3:13-19.
“ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (NIV)
Have you ever wondered about the twelve that Jesus chose? During this time in history it would have been well known that there existed a model of teacher and disciple. Young men who exhibited passion in the study of the Torah would choose to apprentice themselves with a rabbi. This was a very competitive career choice that came with long hours and no pay; but with hope as well, the hope of someday becoming a respected rabbi with his own disciple.
This is not what Jesus did, Jesus loves all humankind and he chose men who were not qualified, per the status quo and traditions of the day. Men who had not pursued religious education and study. In fact, Jesus chose men with vocational careers; fishermen, tax collector, a zealot, and a thief. This band of misfit brothers with Jesus as their teacher would forever change the world and Jesus would make a way for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with God, the Father.
What an opportunity for the twelve disciples to be with Jesus ever day and night for three years. These twelve individuals learned from Jesus and experienced what perfect love really is. Love changes people!
The disciples were changed from spending with Jesus but we too have the same opportunity to learn from Jesus. Spending time with Jesus, up close and personal will change us. We know that every time Jesus speaks it is always the TRUTH! As we grow in our relationships with Jesus, we learn, we grow and we mature in our faith. We are sometimes even put into places or situations to teach others about Jesus, and the Love he has for all of creation.
In Jesus’ public ministry, he made time for those that one else cared about, or in many cases chose to ignore.
Are there people in your life that you choose not to see?
Why do you (we) do that?
I love the phrase, “ we are the hands and feet of Jesus.” Take time to spent time with God today, he LOVES you and he created you.
CHALLENGE QUESTION (?)
The one resource that we have that is the most precious is TIME. It may sound very basic and simple to give someone your time and to be focused entirely upon them.
Is there a cost to giving your time away (?).
Jesus did exactly that, freely gave his time to the disciples, the sick and the needy. Jesus did all these things, he chose the disciples and shared everything with his them. Do you have someone that you share your life with, even see you at your worst, to be your closest friend (?) —- that is a precious expression of love.
Who might you share your time and love with today (?).
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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