PRAYER

God, You search me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You know my thoughts from afar. How wonderful You are. Thank you for making me so complex. I rejoice in the joy of my salvation, knowing I need not be afraid for You are with me. You knew my name before the world was formed. You called me to be one of your own. Thank you. Amen.

READING

Mark 3:7-19 (NLT)

¹³ Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.¹⁴ Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles.^[b] They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, ¹⁵ giving them authority to cast out demons. ¹⁶ These are the twelve he chose:

Simon (whom he named Peter),

¹⁷ James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”),

¹⁸ Andrew,

Philip,

Bartholomew,

Matthew,

Thomas,

James (son of Alphaeus),

Thaddaeus,

Simon (the zealot),

¹⁹ Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

REFLECTION

Many of us know that Jesus had 12 Disciples but not many of us could name them all. Some are mentioned more frequently than others. To be honest, I don't know much about Thaddeus and it doesn't help that he is often referred to by different names in the various gospels, but Jesus knew him. Jesus knew the hearts of the 12 whom He chose. Each had unique skills and talents that were used to bring followers to Christ. Thomas, the logical and practical disciple often needed concrete proof to believe something was true. Simon (Peter) was impulsive and reactionary. John was a beloved disciple. Judas was self seeking and a betrayer. What an interesting group!

A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher and an apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others. Apostle means one who is sent. All apostles are disciples but not all disciples are apostles. Which one does God call us to be? Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) We are all called to be disciples of Christ and to share what we learn with others so that they too can become disciples. Missional people are called to go into communities or even other countries to preach the good news of the Gospel. Have you ever had the desire to talk about God to others? Maybe God is calling you to be missional? Sometimes we may feel nervous talking about God, and other times, it can feel quite natural. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we will know what and when to share our faith.

LENT CHECK IN

Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did - Do you love stories? This one was a family favourite of ours.

Consider saying the Apostles Creed each day this week