Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a sabbath day’s journey away. When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter, John, James, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James, Alphaeus’ son; Simon the zealot; and Judas, James’ son— all were united in their devotion to prayer, along with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. During this time, the family of believers was a company of about one hundred twenty persons. Peter stood among them and said, “Brothers and sisters, the scripture that the Holy Spirit announced beforehand through David had to be fulfilled. This was the scripture concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. This happened even though he was one of us and received a share of this ministry.” (In fact, he bought a field with the payment he received for his injustice. Falling headfirst, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines spilled out. This became known to everyone living in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Hakeldama, or “Field of Blood.”) “It is written in the Psalms scroll, Let his home become deserted and let there be no one living in it; and Give his position of leadership to another. “Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken from us. This person must become along with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they nominated two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. They prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s deepest thoughts and desires. Show us clearly which one you have chosen from among these two to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” When they cast lots, the lot fell on Matthias. He was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:12-26, CEB)
Judas, the one who handed Jesus over needed to be replaced, so Peter said, “Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken from us. This person must become along with us a witness to his resurrection.” Someone who was with us from the beginning to the end. Did you realize there were people who traveled with Jesus from his baptism by John until after the resurrection? Not only did the 12 do this, but others as well.
I mean, that is what Peter said. One who has accompanied us the whole time from the baptism until Jesus was taken from us, ascended into heaven. And there were at least 2 of them, men that is. And I assume more and if there were men, there were probably women and children too. So how many actually traveled around with Jesus?
And if others were there, why do we only focus on the 12? Yes, they were selected by Jesus, but was Matthias? I mean, the lot could have been chosen by God and given to him, but why those 12? Why not everyone else?
I ask this to say, sometimes we get hung up on the little details that will not matter in the end. Yes, there were others who traveled with Jesus and the 12, and they are important, and yet we do not know who they were, and they still have an impact on the mission and ministry of God.
You are important and have an impact on the mission and ministry of God, even when you think nobody cares or sees it.
Do not worry about the little things. Know you are loved and sent to share love.
aSacredRebel 