In Common
June 12th, 2007One of the fascinating things about Jesus’ twelve disciples is the diversity of the group. How could this little band of men get along? No one was all that skilled with the word of God. None was rabbi material. Yet, Jesus chose them to change the world.
What did they have in common that drew Jesus to them? They certainly had differences. Some were fishermen; one was a pro-Roman tax collector; another was an anti-Roman Zealot. They argued regularly over their own greatness in the kingdom. What did they have in common?
One of their common characteristics was courage. The fishermen would go daily onto the Sea of Galilee. Not only was this a grueling work, it was hazardous. The Sea can be a deadly place and they risked their lives every time they ventured out (see “The Deadliest Catch” on TV for an idea of what they might have faced — without the ice and snow).
Matthew had to be courageous to collect taxes from his fellow Jews. We can imagine their disdain for him when he would turn their money over to the Romans. Simon the Zealot had to have courage to resist the Romans in any fashion.
Jesus took this imperfect rag tag band of men and molded them into fully devoted followers. He fanned the flame of their courage so that they would be able to deliver the good news to the world in the face of a relentless enemy. Along with courage he helped them develop faith in him.
366 times the Bible tells us not to fear. That’s once for every day of leap year. In this day and time we must muster our faith and courage to be fully devoted followers of Jesus and do what he invites us to do.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
