Hearing the Call

The fifth chapter of Luke tells a familiar story, the calling of three humble fishermen: Simon Peter, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John. They seem unlikely choices. They weren’t scholars versed in the Torah or successful business men capable of funding Christ’s ministry. They weren’t skilled public speakers. They didn’t have degrees in marketing or public relations. Even Peter admits, his is not worthy of the call. He says, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man…” Luke 5:8 (KJV).

But his call wasn’t a mistake. Jesus didn’t have to read their references or look at their employment history or check their credit ratings.  He had insider information. He knew exactly who they were. He knew exactly what he wanted. So why did he make these choices?

Peter seems like the most obvious choice. What you see is what you get. He is the strongest of the disciples, chosen to be their spokesperson. He is confident, loving, bold, and courageous, but he can also be rash, blunt, impulsive, and inconsistent. He is fiercely faithful, but still denies Jesus three times on the night of his capture.

James and John were less obvious.They were fishermen, brothers, mockingly nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” because they were brash contentious men, self-centered and self-serving. All three of them tend to fall asleep on the watch, such as in the garden of Gethsemane or on the mountaintop where Christ is transfigured. The other disciples weren’t any better. You probably know people just like them. They are your casual friends and noisy neighbors. They might be a peevish coworker or an irritating in-law. Because they can be so annoying, you might overlook their virtues. Perhaps their potential is reached only after they’ve been tested.

If Jesus was embarking on his ministry today, how would he go about calling his modern disciples? Would he advertise on Facebook or LinkedIn? Would he post twelve openings on SimplyHired or Monster.com?  What would he list as the job requirements? Must be willing to sell everything and give it to the poor. Salary range? Retirement plan? Benefits package? It would be a hard sell, especially in today’s job market.

Christ’s resurrection transformed the disciples. Peter became a bold missionary, a charismatic evangelist, and a great church leader.  Andrew preached in Turkey, Greece, and in what is now Russia. Thomas traveled as far east as India founding the church of the Marthoma Christians. James the Lesser took his ministry to Syria. Philip brought the word to Carthage in North Africa and then to Asia Minor. Matthew ministered in Persia and Ethiopia. Bartholomew followed Thomas to India, then  traveled to Armenia and finally Southern Arabia.

The transformation of the apostles came because they heard Christ’s call. Their flaws were inconsequential compared to their acceptance of His mission. What a wonderful message! When you and I get overwhelmed by all that it entails to be a disciple of Christ, it helps to remember that we’re not doing this alone. Our weaknesses–vanity, self-centeredness, cynicism, self-doubt–are pushed aside by the simple act of surrender.