Jesus chooses the twelve Apostles Luke 6:12-16
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
At that time, Jesus went up a hill to pray. I go up with Jesus. He speaks about his mission and how his Father wants him to move forward. Jesus needs a community to further his work. Moving apart from the crowd, Jesus sees the bigger picture. Galilee is multicultural, with people of many different backgrounds. As well as that, the Romans have subjected the nation. Politically, economically and socially diverse, religiously polarised between conservative and progressive thinkers, the culture in which Jesus is ministering is challenging. Jesus sees the need for a diverse group to expand his mission to the people.
I see him sitting there, taking up a stone one at a time and looking carefully at it. Some stones are put back on the ground, while others are gently gathered together.
Jesus invites me to take each selected stone and examine it carefully. Some are smooth and round, others have sharp edges. Some are gritty, and I can break off bits of them. Some feel cold, others, warm. This of course depends where they come from.
‘What do you think of them?’ asks Jesus.
‘Well, they are all very different!’ I reply.
‘Yes! Difference is good. It challenges us to see the really important things and let the less important fade away.’
We go down the hill and notice that the small crowd is still there, finishing their lunch. Jesus calls them together. ‘The time has come,’ he says, ‘when I need people to help me to reach out to the wider community. I am going to ask some of you to work more closely with me. You would be travelling with me to the outlying districts. It will be demanding, with no guarantees of food and lodging. And of course, this is an invitation only. If you do not feel that this is for you, you don’t have to follow me.’
As Jesus calls the people he has chosen, I note the responses both of the chosen men and the crowd. For the twelve men, there was excitement, shock, delight, confidence, enthusiasm. From the crowd there were mixed responses as each person was called out.
This is a turning point in Jesus’ ministry.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I take time to discern how I am to do God’s will?
· Do I take time in my day, in my week, in my year to stop and review where God has been in my life?
· Do I pray for God’s guidance when I need to make a decision?
· Do I recognise and celebrate differences among the people in my teams, in my family, among my friends?
· Am I prepared to give and receive support from my companions?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, remind me to take the time to discern where you are calling me. Help me to respond generously to your call. I know that you will be with me always with your strength and grace. Thank you. Amen.