READ
REFLECT
If you had the opportunity to pick any competitor in the sport of fitness to be part of your team, who would you choose? What are the most critical ingredients when building a powerful team or organization? Strong foundations, experienced team members, and intelligent leadership are crucial. But, when Jesus had the opportunity to draft his team, were these his chosen components?
After praying the entire night, He chose twelve men with no experience and significant limitations due to their occupational backgrounds. At least four were simple fishermen. Two of his disciples had anger issues. Further, two of them were virtual enemies due to their political leanings.
One man’s name meant “mama’s boy.” Another was nicknamed for his small stature.
Jesus willingly chose the one who would betray Him. And, later He used a man who was involved in seeking to kill this initial group for their faith. These individuals shared the most meaningful message ever known and wrote the New Testament we continue to read today.
Why did Jesus choose such powerless people to do the most powerful job in the history of the world? It was to ensure the Message received all the attention, not the messengers.
It is still the same today. The message of the cross, although foolish to the world, is the only thing that matters. We must not let our sinful desire to receive human approval interfere with that message. The message itself demonstrates we have no intrinsic qualifications making us eligible to participate on His team. Due to our sins and His holiness, Christ had to die on the cross for us to experience fellowship with our God.
Therefore, as the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.’ (1 Corinthians 1:31)
RESPOND
- What would be the qualifications you would look for in a solid team if you were Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ selection of His apostles demonstrate His belief in the power of God?
- What qualifications do you possess that make you think make you are “eligible” for love, value, and significance?
- What does this teach you about the love God has for you?
