Anchor My Faith

Choosing the Twelve

Scripture: Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-15, 17; Luke 6:13

Now that we are rested up and Jesus has finished praying, let us continue our journey with him. We left Jesus, in the previous lesson, calling to him those of his choice from a group of his disciples. “[He] chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles” (Luke 6:13).

From his many disciples, Jesus chooses twelve whom he named apostles; messengers who are sent out with the gospel. These apostles had the authority to speak and write the words of God, equal in authority to the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus chose the twelve “so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14 – 15). There are two things mentioned here about these apostles: that they might be with him and that they might be sent out.

They must first be with him so that Jesus can introduce them to the call of discipleship and to be trained to carry out their part. Once they receive sufficient training, they will be sent out to gain experience. We find this happening later in Mark 6:7 (ESV): “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” When they went out they were to preach the word of the kingdom of God and cast out demons. Part of the message they proclaimed was that “people should repent” (Mark 6:12). Authority to cast out demons is further clarified in Mark 6:13 with the statement: “And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” to include healing.

Who are the twelve men that Jesus finally chose? ^{Mt 10:2} The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; ^{Mk 3:17} James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); ^{Mt 10:3} Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ⁴ Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 

Of these twelve, we have already met six of them along our journey. They were Andrew, John, Peter, Philip, Nathanael, and James, but if you search the names of the twelve you don’t find Nathanael listed. It is believed that Nathanael and Bartholomew are the same person. Of these twelve, Peter, James and John, the brother of James, make up the inner circle. We will find these three being chosen by Jesus to go with him on special occasions. For example, when he went in to the ruler’s house to raise his daughter from the dead (Mark 5:35 – 37), when he went up the mountain and was transfigured (Mark 9:2-3), and his time in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32 – 36).

Notice who is mentioned last in the list. It is Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Judas was one of the chosen and was trained and sent out like the other disciples to proclaim, to cast out demons and to heal. He was loved by Jesus and warned, but not trusted.

Prayer

Father, one my wonder why Jesus chose Judas, knowing that he would betray him and cause him much suffering. The devil also chose Judas as part of his plan to destroy Jesus. Jesus loved his enemy and forgave him on the cross and died as the devil desired, but in the process Jesus purchased our salvation and defeated the devil. Father, we learn from this that sometimes our enemy can actually, without knowing it, help us obtain victory.