Jesus picked a group of twelve rag-tag folks to be his closest friends, confidants, and leaders of his upcoming ministry. Not generally well educated, rich, famous, or experienced, Jesus selected this team to help bring His ministry to the world. All but one would die as martyrs. One would turn Jesus over for thirty silver pieces. This team had all the markings of a team that would not go far. They may even be relegated to the minor leagues. However, they have the best coach ever, and his name is Jesus.
The gospel gives us the names of these twelve, and we know their names fairly well. There are even duplicate names. Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, the other James, Thaddeus, the other Simon and Judas the future traitor. They were not linked to last names. They were given some specificity by who their brother or father was, where they were from, or their occupation. The same naming conventions can happen today. I am often called Paul, “Mary Ann’s husband.”
Training and Target
As the “season” is ready to begin for this team of twelve, Jesus gives them special authority. They will be able to drive out unclean spirits, and cure every disease and illness. They have the training, and Jesus has mentored them. Time to get started and delay no further.
The team begins the season with away games, and they are sent out without Jesus’ physical presence. They are not to go to pagan territory quite yet, nor to Samaritan villages. These are future targets for later in the season, after they get some experience. They begin by visiting Jewish towns, as they are of Jewish upbringing.
Stage is Set
The starting line up is ready. Their coach has trained them and equipped them with what they need. Their tools of the trade, casting out unclean spirits and healing the sick, are ready to try in public. They know where to go, and where not to go. I can imagine the fear and excitement as they say their good byes, and depart. “The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand” is their motto and their mantra.
I wonder if any of them would have imagined that billions of people world wide would eventually know, love and serve Jesus? My guess is that they could not have imagined it. This rag tag starting lineup turned into a powerful force, and we still know of them after 2000 years. It just goes to show you, what good coaching can do, even with a weak starting line up. We are that weak starting line up, and we have that great coach—Jesus. The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, let’s get out there!
[Readings: Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Mt 10:1-7]
Fun read. Thank You Paul