Scripture:
Luke 6:12-19 (WEBBE)
“It happened in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he also named Peter; and his brother Andrew; and James; and John; and Philip; and Bartholomew; and Matthew; and Thomas; and James the son of Alphaeus; and Simon who was called the Zealot; and Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled by unclean spirits were being healed. All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.”
Reflection:
In this passage, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry as He selects the twelve apostles from among His disciples. This decision follows a night of intense prayer on a mountain, emphasizing the significance and seriousness of choosing those who would carry forward His mission. Jesus’ choice of the apostles reflects both His divine wisdom and His deep connection to the Father.
Jesus spends the entire night in prayer, seeking guidance and aligning Himself with God’s will. This model of seeking divine direction before making significant decisions is a powerful example for us. It reminds us of the importance of prayer in our own lives, particularly when faced with important decisions or challenges.
The twelve apostles, named by Jesus, are a diverse group of individuals, each with unique backgrounds and experiences. This diversity highlights that Jesus calls people from all walks of life to follow Him and be part of His mission. Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the others were ordinary men, yet they were chosen to be foundational leaders in the early church. Their selection underscores that God’s work often involves calling and equipping those who may seem unlikely or ordinary in the eyes of the world.
Following this selection, Jesus comes down from the mountain and stands on a level place, surrounded by a great multitude. People come from all over Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre, and Sidon, seeking healing and deliverance. They press in to touch Jesus, recognizing that power flows from Him to heal and restore. This scene demonstrates the profound impact of Jesus’ presence and the effectiveness of His ministry in bringing healing and liberation to those in need.
The crowd’s response highlights a fundamental truth about Jesus: His power to heal and transform is accessible to all who come to Him in faith. The healing and deliverance experienced by those who touched Him symbolize the spiritual restoration and new life He offers to all who seek Him.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the call to be disciples and to seek Jesus through prayer and faith. Just as Jesus chose the apostles through prayer and guidance, He calls each of us to follow Him, to be part of His mission, and to experience His healing power in our own lives.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples and for demonstrating the importance of seeking Your guidance through prayer. Help us to follow Your example, spending time in prayer and seeking Your will in our lives. We are grateful for the healing and transformation You offer, and we ask for Your power to touch and restore us. May we respond to Your call with faith and obedience, and may we share the healing and hope we receive with others. In Your holy name, Amen.
Application:
- Consider an area in your life where you need to seek Jesus’ guidance through prayer. Take time to pray and ask for His wisdom and direction in that area.
- Reflect on the ways Jesus is calling you to follow Him more closely. How can you be more intentional about being His disciple and participating in His mission?
- Reach out to others who may be in need of healing or encouragement. Share with them the hope and restoration that you have found in Jesus.
Verse for Meditation:
“All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.” (Luke 6:19, WEBBE)