The Servant Messiah 11
The Twelve - Luke 6:12-19
Messiah found it necessary to commune with the Father by retreating to a quiet desert place. The ardor of the expectant multitudes was increasing on the one hand and the opposition of the religious leaders was mounting on the other. Neither group was understanding the full impact of the servant Messiah mission of compassion. Messiah needed a small group of followers who could be taught and trained: a group to be molded to receive the revelation and transmit it to the world. With a small group there could be deeper and closer interactions. There could be give and take, discussions, and meeting of minds. With a small group the spiritual interaction would be at its highest. With a small group the difficult transition from the current Messianic concepts could be more easily accomplished. The message was so vital that it must be firmly implanted. He must put the heavenly treasure in earthen vessels.
Messiah had already selected five followers: four fishermen and a tax collector. He needed others but the number must be limited. God had given the first covenant at Sinai to the twelve tribes and their twelve leaders. The new covenant must be intrusted to twelve followers. The significance of the number would be understood by the selected ones themselves, the larger group of followers, and the multitudes as well. This would be an additional confirmation of Messianic intent. The spiritual impact would be profound and moving for all of them. This was the beginning.
Messiah would build a close relationship with the selected twelve. To the first five he added Phillip and Barthalomew, Thomas the twin, another James, another Simon, and two by the name of Judas. The group was very enthusiastic, feeling highly privileged. They were very expectant followers with much yet to learn. They were loyal and ready. Footssteps were now rapid and steady, the cadence of a march. Like those around them they envisioned a military upheaval. Aware of their position, filled with appreciation for this opportunity, expectant of more dramatic events tounfold, they would be attentive listeners, alert observers, and energetic participants in the Messianic activities. The compassion of the Servant Messiah would give them the real meaning of Kingship and Kingdom.
Messiah found it necessary to commune with the Father by retreating to a quiet desert place. The ardor of the expectant multitudes was increasing on the one hand and the opposition of the religious leaders was mounting on the other. Neither group was understanding the full impact of the servant Messiah mission of compassion. Messiah needed a small group of followers who could be taught and trained: a group to be molded to receive the revelation and transmit it to the world. With a small group there could be deeper and closer interactions. There could be give and take, discussions, and meeting of minds. With a small group the spiritual interaction would be at its highest. With a small group the difficult transition from the current Messianic concepts could be more easily accomplished. The message was so vital that it must be firmly implanted. He must put the heavenly treasure in earthen vessels.
Messiah had already selected five followers: four fishermen and a tax collector. He needed others but the number must be limited. God had given the first covenant at Sinai to the twelve tribes and their twelve leaders. The new covenant must be intrusted to twelve followers. The significance of the number would be understood by the selected ones themselves, the larger group of followers, and the multitudes as well. This would be an additional confirmation of Messianic intent. The spiritual impact would be profound and moving for all of them. This was the beginning.
Messiah would build a close relationship with the selected twelve. To the first five he added Phillip and Barthalomew, Thomas the twin, another James, another Simon, and two by the name of Judas. The group was very enthusiastic, feeling highly privileged. They were very expectant followers with much yet to learn. They were loyal and ready. Footssteps were now rapid and steady, the cadence of a march. Like those around them they envisioned a military upheaval. Aware of their position, filled with appreciation for this opportunity, expectant of more dramatic events tounfold, they would be attentive listeners, alert observers, and energetic participants in the Messianic activities. The compassion of the Servant Messiah would give them the real meaning of Kingship and Kingdom.
posted by Dr. James F. Hubbard at 3:24 PM
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