The Jesus Group

April 2

(Luke 8:1-3 NIV) “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, {2} and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; {3} Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

(Matthew 10:1-8 NIV)  "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. {2} These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; {3} Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; {4} Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. {5} These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. {6} Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. {7} As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' {8} Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

Christ’s mission included making disciples who would take His gospel to the world. He chose the Twelve, but there were others who signed on. This “Jesus Group” was a mixed lot. Not all were well-dressed, upper crust citizens. They consisted of some blue collar fishermen, an IRS agent, a skeptic, a dishonest bookkeeper, a right wing political radical, a former harlot, and the wife of an elite government official. These are the people who took up with Jesus and followed him day and night for three years. They were the called, the healed, the forgiven, and the delivered. They were diverse in origin, but had the same destination. They understood that following Jesus meant leaving something behind. They cut the strings that encumber most of us and became disciples. They became the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Our calling is the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day