35. Choosing the Twelve

Jesus withdrew from there, and great crowds followed him. He healed them all, and told them not to make him known. This fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen;
    my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased:
I will put my Spirit on him.
    He will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not strive, nor shout;
    neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He won’t break a bruised reed.
    He won’t quench a smoking flax,
until he leads justice to victory.
    In his name, the nations will hope.”

Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them chose twelve apostles to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have authority  to cast out demons: Simon Peter; his brother, Andrew; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Reflection

Multitudes followed Jesus, but twelve were chosen to symbolize the historic twelve tribes of Israel. Before deciding who would be among the twelve, Jesus spent a night in prayer. How much time do you spend with God? Are your prayers typically long lists of what you would like God to do for you? Do you spend time listening for the still, small voice of God to speak to you?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to spend time with you and listen for your voice.