The Bible Speaks to our Condition: The 12 apostles Scripture Reading: Lk 6:12-16

Introduction When you think of the 12 apostles, what comes to mind Many know the number of apostles, how many can name them all If one can name them all, can they say anything else about them This evening I would like to share with you some facts about these men in general that will help us all to learn a little more about what God can do in the lives of imperfect people

Some views of these 12 men “The reality is that 12 unrefined, uneducated, unpolished, and predominantly unknown men became the change agents of a global movement that had an impact on the world’s history that continues in spiritual revolution” “The life stories of these 12 common men exceed the influence of the most powerful and prestigious men and women of the world.” “So great was their influence that the gospel spread through their lives and throughout the ancient world, they were referred to as, ‘these who have turned the world upside down.’” (Acts 17:6) “ While these twelve men were impressive in many ways, there were many deficiencies found among them. Jesus addressed each of these so that they would be useful to His Kingdom purpose.”

They did not have unlimited spiritual understanding (Mk 9:31-32) Lk 9:43-45 “43 And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.” Lk 18:31-34 “31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again. 34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.”

They struggled with humility Mk 9:33-35 “33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Lk 22:24-26 “24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”

Some demonstrated little faith (Jn 20:24-29) Mt 14:25-32 “25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Mk 4:34-40 “34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Some displayed a lack of commitment (Lk 22:54-62) Mk 14:33-42 “33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

They were unable to heal an epileptic Mt 17:14-21 “14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Conclusion “This is the story of the disciples, but more it is the testimony of the power of Christ. When you peek behind the curtain of history and the cloud of mystery, you find more than faulted lives, limited understanding, and flawed men. You find God, who makes all things new, performed a work of grace in each of them, and used them for His glory.” So how is this the Bible speaking to us today…God is not seeking out perfect people, He is seeking out people who are willing to seek out perfection through His power and are willing to improve when they fail These men who had limited spiritual understanding, a lack of humility, low commitment, and limited power, and who demonstrated little faith changed the world