When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
(verses 13-16)
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The first book of JRR Tolkien’s beloved trilogy is titled “The Fellowship of the Ring,” introducing us to a mixed bag of characters on a quest through Middle Earth in opposition to the dark kingdom of Mordor. A mixed bag indeed! There’s the wizard, Gandalf, who gives wise counsel and leadership. But then there’s a Dwarf and Elf, representatives of two races typically at loggerheads. There are four Hobbits – Halflings – whose small stature matches the minimal expectations everyone seems to have of them. Add to the mix two grown men, both warriors, one being the rightful, exiled King of Gondor, and the other being the son of the Steward who currently, jealously, guards the throne – they’re set up for tension from the start.
I think Tolkien brilliantly captures the reality of human relationships generally, but specifically the reality of those who are called into mission for Jesus. We, too, are a pretty mixed bag.
Which is exactly what we see in this band of disciples Jesus appoints as apostles. The list puts Peter first and Judas Iscariot last. Judas fully deserves last place, for he betrays Jesus to death. Peter, on the other hand, seems to have rightfully earned first place, often emerging as leader of the fellowship. But, when push comes to shove, he denies even knowing Jesus when confronted at the fire in the High Priest’s courtyard. Our list, then, is headed by one who disowns Jesus and concludes with one who betrays him. This is not a stellar group. Indeed, as the Gospel story unfolds, the disciples are portrayed in “surprisingly unfavourable light” (as one commentator rightly states) – they are slow to understand who Jesus is, they bicker together, vie for position, succumb to fear, and ultimately abandon Jesus in his greatest moment of need in the Garden. Yet it’s perversely encouraging, because if Jesus could use them, he can also use us. Indeed, he specifically chose each one, just as he has chosen each of us who follow. That we’re all a mixed bag doesn’t stop him.
The further thing to notice is how the group itself was set up for conflict right from the start. When Jesus invited the tax-collector, Matthew (introduced to us in the last chapter as “Levi”), to be one of his disciples, he brought into his inner circle one who was hated and despised by everyone in the surrounding area – including Peter, Andrew, James, John and Philip, who all lived there. Further, Matthew Levi was a collaborator with the hated Roman regime, which likely raised very intense issues for another of those chosen – Simon “who was called the Zealot.” It’s not entirely clear what “Zealot” implied at the time, but it likely meant his political perspective was intensely anti-Roman. He wouldn’t warm naturally to a tax-collector.
So, conflict was already simmering, if not boiling. Overlay on top of that the family relationships present in the group, with at least two sets of brothers, and possibly three or four. From time to time those brothers likely had their own squabbles. At other points (Mark 10:35-37) they sided with each other against the rest. When you also realize that two of those brothers, James and John, were nicknamed by Jesus “Sons of Thunder,” you realize this was not a calm, peaceful mix.
And can’t we identify with it all? We, too, are imperfect people. We, too, find ourselves in natural conflict and disagreement with some of those Jesus has chosen for our fellowship. Why should we be surprised? If it were up to us, we might simply bail. But he’s the one who does the choosing. He’s the one who brings us together. Can we trust him to use us, too, even as he used them? Can we press on alongside those we would never have chosen, but he did?
The Master has called. Will we follow?
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Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me, choosing to use me, imperfect as I am. Thank you for choosing brothers and sisters around me – I receive them in the fellowship, even when I find them imperfect, too. Accomplish your purposes through us.
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Reflect:
In Jesus, we are all on mission. In him, we are called into specific fellowship. Think of one (or more) in that grouping with whom you struggle. Speak to Jesus about them, committing yourself afresh to following his lead.
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