The Apostles - Their Call and Commonality
The apostles were the ones sent forth as ambassadors. They were ambassadors who represented Jesus, the one who sent them.
The twelve were a very diverse group - some were fishermen, some were tax collectors, some were zealots. They left all to follow the one who called them.
Their commonalities were many -
1. They were teachers - Mark 6:30 - The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.
2. They wanted Jesus to increase their faith - Luke 17:5 - The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
3. They performed signs and wonders - Acts 2:43 - And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
4. They were instructed by Jesus of His suffering - Matthew 20:17-19 - And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
5. They shared the Passover meal together - Matthew 26:18 - He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”
6. They forsook Jesus - Matthew 26:56 - But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled
We too have been called and we too have been sent out. No, we are not apostles. But we are to be ministers. Ministers of reconciliation. We are to reconcile others to God. We are to share the Good News with others. While we may differ in our jobs, marital, financial and social status, we can minister to others. We can offer encouragement, comfort, and love.
The twelve were a very diverse group - some were fishermen, some were tax collectors, some were zealots. They left all to follow the one who called them.
Their commonalities were many -
1. They were teachers - Mark 6:30 - The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.
2. They wanted Jesus to increase their faith - Luke 17:5 - The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
3. They performed signs and wonders - Acts 2:43 - And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
4. They were instructed by Jesus of His suffering - Matthew 20:17-19 - And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
5. They shared the Passover meal together - Matthew 26:18 - He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”
6. They forsook Jesus - Matthew 26:56 - But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled
We too have been called and we too have been sent out. No, we are not apostles. But we are to be ministers. Ministers of reconciliation. We are to reconcile others to God. We are to share the Good News with others. While we may differ in our jobs, marital, financial and social status, we can minister to others. We can offer encouragement, comfort, and love.
Friendship in Action
Plan a common interest activity with a friend.
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