WEEK 2
November 9 – Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11, John 1:40-42
Follow Me
Jesus called and began His earthly ministry with these 12 disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (Nathaniel), Thomas, Matthew, James, Jude Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot. Some of these men we know a lot about and some next to nothing. Those we do know about were hardworking fishermen, rowdy (Sons of Thunder), and hated (tax collector). None of them were teachers of the law, priests, rabbis, or prominent players in the operation of the synagogues of that day. This all sounds familiar and reminds me of what we still see today. Whomever Jesus calls to follow Him, He equips them to help Him in His mission to be fishers of men – to bring the good news to the lost that He wants to save them, not condemn them.
I want to take a look at those first disciples. We read and study the writings of Simon Peter, Matthew, John, and Jude. Their work is visible and up front, and extremely important for every believer, since they are ALL God breathed words (2 Timothy 3:16). To us, these men may seem elevated above the rest in our eyes, until we hear these words of Jesus: “Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” (Matthew 19:30). Please note, He says “many,” not all.
Taking this one step further, let’s think about the writings of Paul concerning the body of Christ in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:21-26. A quick reading of these passages prove that ALL believers are important and valuable in God’s Kingdom.
I’m thinking that according to Jesus and Paul’s teaching, the way God used those whose lives and works we don’t have much information is just as important as those who were up front and center. We will have eternity to discover how He used Thaddeus, Bartholomew, Andrew, and unnamed people in the crowds who followed Him during His time, along with those throughout the ages, of whom we know nothing.
Just a word about Thomas here! Because he was just very openly honest about not believing Jesus was alive until he could see evidence himself, he has an undeserved reputation and “doubting” has been added to his name. However, the other eleven doubted as well. When they were told by the women that Jesus was alive, Luke says they thought it was nonsense. Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. (Luke 24:9-11 NIV). I have my seasons of doubt as well.
So, it’s not just the visible ones; the speakers, singers and writers who God uses. In fact, those who are not seen are vital, as the body cannot live without them. In fact, they have been given special honor (1 Corinthians 12:23).
Dear Jesus, You only ask me to follow You. You will give me the gift You want me to have. Help me never to think the gifts of others are more important than mine, and never to elevate the gifts you have given me above any others. I have done both.
