DAY #98: Luke 6:12-36

Jesus’ enemies had revealed their stubborn hearts and refusal to see him for who he was; his ministry was increasing as people crowded in to hear him. Jesus knew that he would not be long on the earth, so the continuing task of spreading the Good News of the Kingdom would be entrusted to a group of human beings whom he must choose. This was a daunting task and Jesus needed the Father’s help. So Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. This was not a quick call for help while Jesus followed his instincts; this was an intense conversation as Jesus sought his Father’s guidance in this supremely important task.


At daybreak, after his night in prayer, Jesus called together all of his disciples. Of the many who were following him at this time, he chose twelve of them to be apostles. Jesus did not take volunteers; he chose those whom God had directed him to choose.

The choice of twelve men is highly symbolic. The number twelve corresponds to the twelve tribes of Israel, showing the continuity between the old religious system and the new one based on Jesus’ message. Jesus looked upon this as the gathering of the true people of God. These men were the righteous remnant who would carry on the work the twelve tribes were chosen to do—to build the community of God.

The first name recorded was Simon, whom Jesus also called Peter. Andrew was Peter’s brother and also a fisherman. Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist, and had accepted John the Baptist’s testimony. He had left John to follow Jesus, and then had brought his brother Simon to Jesus.

James and John had also been fishermen and, incidentally, Peter and Andrew’s partner. Along with Peter, the three of them became Jesus’ inner circle. James would become the first martyr for the Christian faith. John would write the Gospel of John, the letters of 1, 2, and 3 John, and the book of Revelation.

Philip probably knew Andrew and Peter because they were from the same town, Bethsaida. Philip then brought Bartholomew (also called Nathanael) as recorded in John 1:45. Bartholomew at first rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth. But upon meeting Jesus, his attitude changed (John 1:49).

Matthew was also known as Levi. He had been a tax collector who, at Jesus’ call, had given up everything in order to follow him. He would later write the Gospel of Matthew. Thomas is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection . Thomas loved Jesus and understood what Jesus’ mission entailed. James was called son of Alphaeus to differentiate him from James the son of Zebedee and brother of John.

Simon (the Zealot) was probably not a member of the party of Zealots, for that political party was not identified as such until a.d. 68. Most likely the word “Zealot” used here indicates zeal for God’s honor and fervent nationalism that characterized Simon before he followed Jesus. Most likely, it was an affectionate nickname. Judas (son of James) is also called Thaddaeus. Rounding out the list is Judas Iscariot, with the footnote that he is the one who later betrayed Jesus. The name “Iscariot” is probably a compound word meaning “the man from Kerioth.”

Thus, Judas’ hometown was Kerioth in southern Judea, making him the only one of the Twelve who was not from Galilee. It might seem strange that Jesus would spend an entire night in prayer to pick this group, and then end up choosing Judas. Did Jesus make a mistake? No. The plan had been set in motion from the beginning of time, and this was part of the plan that would eventually come to its final conclusion in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and suicide. The betrayal fulfilled prophecy and helped to bring Jesus to the cross. There was no mistake. That was the way of salvation.

These last verses in this passage are called the Beatitudes, from the Latin word meaning “blessing.” They describe what it means to be Christ’s follower. They are standards of conduct; they contrast Kingdom values with worldly values, showing what Christ’s followers can expect from the world and what God will give them. They contrast fake piety with true humility.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Father, you have chosen me. You have chosen my family. You have chosen the people of COV. Lord, help us be faithful. Like the 12 you chose, go with us and give us power to do great things for you. Help us reach people and love people for you. Help us preach and teach your word in a way that people are drawn to you. Help us throw off everything that hinders us and run the race you have marked out for us. Help us build Your kingdom.

Lord, build the beatitudes into my life in a greater way. Give me a greater sensitivity to the needs of people and the hurts of people. Break my heart with the things that break your heart and with the things that break the hearts of your people.

Make me more like you Lord.