Part 12 - The Rest of the Disciples called

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 6:12-16

“12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

INTRODUCTION

I. The Rest of the Disciples are called

† Jesus sought the Will of the Father first

The scriptures record that Jesus prayed constantly, among other things, He was seeking the Will of the Father.

Specifically in regards to the choice of the twelve disciples; because by this time scholars believe that Jesus had quite a following.

They believe He had about 100 or so followers.

† Jesus chose 12 from among all that followed Him

We have already read the accounts of how Jesus had called some of those to follow Him, with the stories of Peter, and Matthew and others.

But the specific accounts of Jesus calling some of the Disciples are not recorded.

So why did Jesus feel the Father wanted Him to call twelve from among the followers?

Twelve who would be especially close to Jesus and preach and teach His gospel as He did?

† Twelve is the number of God’s government, leadership of the Church.

12 tribes of Israel.

24 Elders before God’s throne represent 12 Tribes of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of the New Testament.

12 precious stones on Aaron’s breastplate.

12 Spies led the way to the Promised Land.

12 gates and 12 foundations to the New Holy City.

12 different fruits on the tree of life.

The 12 apostles were a type of special-forces unit during the time of Jesus' first coming. After three and one-half years of intensive personal training with Jesus, God was able to use them to achieve great victories. They were able to penetrate Satan's dominion and spearhead a great revival.

II. Instruction and Authority is given to them

† Given power & Authority Matthew 10:1

“He (Jesus) called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”

† Ordained by God Mark 3:13-15

“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve—designating them apostles —that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.”

† Jesus rejected by family immediately after this Mark 3:20 - 30

“20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

30 He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."

Jesus’ own family didn’t believe who He was, and thought Jesus was mad.

† Jesus’ family come to see Him immediately after that Mark 3:31-35

“Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."

33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.

34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

III. Have you been called?

Have you made Jesus Christ first in your life?

Do you measure all things against His Word?

God has 3 Will’s for you in your life;

† God’s first Will for you in your life – Being saved

Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior

Confessing to Him you are sinful

Believing He died and rose again for the payment of your sins

Repent from the sins you have been forgiven of (go and sin no more)

† God’s second Will for you in your life – The great commission

Share with others how to be saved

Lead them to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Bring them to church so that they may learn the Word of God

† God’s third Will for you in your life – Discover the Gifts He has given you, and use them to Build (through the great commission) & Edify (through the gifts) the Body of Christ

ALTAR CALL