-
You are Called by God
Purpose:
To discover that Jesus wants to be with us before any work He gives us to do, to examine how Jesus abides in the Father, to listen to Jesus' invitation to abide with Him, with the Father, and by extension with each other, to show that discipleship is about being - not doing.
Scripture:
13 He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles,[a] to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message,
Mark 3:13-14
Discussion Questions:- What stands out to you?
- What does it mean that Jesus summoned those “whom He wanted”?
- What does it mean to you to be wanted by God?
- While Jesus is giving the twelve an office (think appointing a Secretary of State), a better translation is that He “made” or “created” twelve. How does this change the meaning of the verse?
- What are they created for?
- What does it mean to “be with Jesus”
24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
John 17:24
Discussion Questions:- Where is Jesus? Where was He before the foundation of the world?
- Why is it important, particularly for an apostle or disciple, to be with Jesus?
- How does the Trinity relate to being with Jesus?
- What is Jesus’ role in the Trinity?
- Why is it so hard for us to receive?
- How does receiving relate to humility?
“It does not say that Jesus merely “appointed” twelve apostles, but that he actually made (Greek) those men into such. He transformed very ordinary and unpromising persons into active vessels of divine grace, a feat only God himself can accomplish through a work that merits the name of re-creation.” Way of the Disciple p. 37
“If the apostles are called to be with Jesus, it is because they are called to become what Jesus already is – the perfect theandric unity of the divine and human natures. Ultimately, we are called to live the very life of God in and through the union of our shared existence with the only begotten Son.” Way of the Disciple p. 37
“No one can be sent by Jesus to heal the world who has not first been called out of the world by Jesus to his side in solitude. The going up into the hills represents the movement from this world to the Father, who alone is Jesus’ own “native land”. P.38
“This Son is only Lord because he receives everything from his Father. The Son has nothing of his own, and therefore his father can and must continually give him everything. Such is the rich poverty of Jesus, not only in his Incarnation, but already as the Eternal Word in the Trinity, who does not speak for Himself, but is always spoken by Another. Thus, although the Son is himself God, he is the person in the Godhead who receives.” p.45
“Our business then as Christians and as contemplatives – perhaps our only business – is to work tirelessly at becoming destitute and needy orphans and widows who rely only on the mercy, power, and goodness of God." p. 21
Prayer:
Lectio Divina reading with this verse:
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 RSVCE
