What qualities did Jesus seek in His apostles according to Luke 6:13? Setting the scene • Luke 6:12–13 gives the backdrop: “In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles.” • The all-night prayer highlights that the choice was deliberate, Spirit-guided, and purposeful. Observations from Luke 6:13 • “He called” – Jesus initiates; the men simply respond. • “His disciples” – the pool of candidates were already followers; they had chosen to walk with Him before being considered for greater responsibility. • “Chose twelve of them” – selection, not self-appointment; Jesus looked for particular traits that fit His kingdom mission. • “Designated as apostles” – He intended to send them out as authoritative representatives, not merely learners. Essential qualities Jesus sought 1. Existing discipleship – They had proven willingness to follow (Luke 5:1-11; 5:27-28). 2. Availability and responsiveness – When He called, they came immediately (Luke 6:13). 3. Teachability – As “disciples” (learners), they were open to instruction (Luke 6:20-49). 4. Commitment to be with Him – Mark 3:14 adds that He appointed them “to accompany Him,” underscoring relational closeness. 5. Readiness to be sent – “Apostle” means “sent one.” Jesus looked for those He could trust with His authority and message (Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1-2). 6. Divine selection over human qualification – John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit…”. Their fitness lay in His call, not personal résumé. Supporting Scriptures • Mark 3:14-15 – purpose: be with Jesus, preach, exercise authority. • Matthew 4:19 – promise to transform followers into “fishers of men.” • Acts 1:21-22 – later criteria show they had been eyewitnesses from John’s baptism to the resurrection, confirming consistency in what Jesus valued. Personal takeaway Jesus looked past status and education, searching for followers who were already walking with Him, quick to answer His call, humble enough to learn, and committed to carry His message. Those same qualities—devotion, availability, teachability, and readiness to be sent—remain the hallmarks of genuine discipleship today. |
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