Transcript

Meet The Apostles-Part Two

Matthew 10:1-4
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pastor Randy Smith

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Last week we began a brief study looking at the twelve disciples of our Lord. I mentioned to you that while these men are key figures in Christianity, few Christians could probably identify all of them by name. If this includes you, don't feel too bad about yourself. Because more important than identifying their names is learning what they became after spending several months in the school of Jesus' discipleship.

Let's remember, they were the twelve disciples. We oftentimes use that word "disciple" as part of their title, but rarely consider what the word "disciple" means from a theological and historical perspective.

Among many other things, Jesus considered Himself a teacher, specifically a "rabbi." Did you know in the first century that in addition to Jesus, there were many other rabbis? And that each rabbi had followers which he considered his disciples?

To be accepted as a disciple by a specific rabbi required the strictest scrutiny. All Jewish boys attended the local synagogue by the time they were 5 to learn Hebrew and memorize the Torah. By 13 all of them went through their Bar Mitzvah which signified the passage into manhood and also required an intense understanding of God's Word. Then the best of the best, the ones with the greatest promise would continue in the hopes that they would be selected to be a disciple of a rabbi.

The examination process by the rabbi consisted of intense grilling. Did the individual have what it takes to measure up to be his disciple? Did he understand what the Scriptures meant? Did he have a high level of intelligence, commitment and persistence? Most importantly, did he have the willingness to be just like the rabbi? If the young man passed the test, he heard those cherished words: "Follow me!"

In a traditional way, Jesus followed the same model with His disciples. He selected men to personally be with Him (Jn. 15:16). And He expected them to submit wholeheartedly to His teaching. Yet there was a significant difference. Jesus did not sit back and wait for people to seek Him out nor did He only accept the best-of-the-best. He approached the people already rejected by the leading rabbis of the day evidenced by the fact that they had already begun a trade. We know from our Bible that He singled out the simple and the crude and the unknown and said, "Follow Me!" (Mt. 4:19; 9:9).

We must keep this principle in mind as we study what the Bible has to say about the twelve disciples.

As we see these disciples listed in the Bible they are always subdivided into three groups of four pertaining to their role and prominence. Listed in the first group, as we see in our text in Matthew, are always: Peter, Andrew, James and John - all former fishermen by trade, our Lord's "inner circle" (Mt. 10:2-4; Mk. 3:16-19; Lk. 6:14-16; Ac. 1:13).

Peter, nicknamed by Jesus, "the rock" but anything but the man of stability his name signified. His brother Andrew, a person of humility noted for bringing people to the Lord. James and his younger brother John, the two "sons of Thunder." Fiery dispositions and selfish motives, yet two more who were transformed after they spent time with Jesus. That's it for my review from last week. If you want more, be sure to pick up the CD.

This morning I would like to introduce you to the remaining eight disciples, eight men who all gave their lives in martyrdom in service to King Jesus. Let's begin with Philip.

Philip

Regarding Philip, the Bible gives us very few details. He was a Jewish man with a Greek name. He seemed to be close friends with Bartholomew, the person he led to the Lord immediately after being called himself (Jn. 1:45). His personality can best be described as a "process person." He was into facts-and-figures. He seemed to be pessimistic, narrow-minded and so obsessed with the details that he often missed the big picture. You know what I am talking about, the kind of guy that drives most people nuts.

Critical people can be unloving. They can prioritize their calculations above people's feelings. They can walk too often by sight and not by faith. Like the others, Philip had some rough edges that needed to be smoothed out. But then again, isn't that what true discipleship is all about?

Consider the time when Philip was asked by our Lord as to how they were going to feed the five thousand (Jn. 6:5-6). Jesus obviously knew the answer. That is why the text says the reason for His asking was to "test" Philip. How would the man with the practical spirit approach the supernatural? True to his nature Philip failed the test. In the direct presence of Jesus (the One who had already turned water into wine - Jn. 2:9) he replied, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little" (Jn. 6:7).

In John 12 several Greeks contacted Philip in a desire to meet Jesus (Jn. 12:20-21). Yet Philip struggled with the simple request because it somehow did not fit correctly into his policy manual. He was overanalytical and once again missed an opportunity to love people and step out in faith.

Perhaps Philip's biggest blunder was his thoughtless words to our Lord during the Last Supper. In His most emotional and intimate time with His disciples Jesus said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him" (Jn. 14:7). After all that these men saw Jesus perform and all that they heard Him proclaim, no doubt that truth would have been readily accepted. That is unless you are Philip, a skeptical bean-counter caught up in mundane details. Again putting his data before his love, Philip replied, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us" (Jn. 14:8). Obviously that touched a nerve. "Jesus said to him, ''Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father?'" (Jn. 14:9).

Yet Jesus never kicked him out. Philip matured and tradition teaches us that he was used mightily in the formation of the early church. Most accounts say he was martyred by stoning roughly eight years after James was beheaded.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew, also called Nathanael, is seldom mentioned in the Bible. All we know about him are the events pertaining to his calling in John 1.

First the negative: When called by his friend Philip to follow Jesus, Bartholomew said, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (Jn. 1:46). The man was prepared to dismiss the Messiah because He was from a certain town. Now if Bartholomew had biblical grounds for doing so that would be one thing. The truth was he did not (see Mt. 2:23). It was an objection based on a sheer prejudice. This is no different than those Chicagoans who can't stand the "cheese heads" from up north in Wisconsin. Bartholomew had contempt for the city and basically couldn't see how someone as special as the Messiah could come from such a place. The school of discipleship would root out that bigotry.

Yet Bartholomew also had something positive about him recorded in the Bible too. When Jesus met him He identified him by the following commendation: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Despite his weaknesses, Bartholomew was a man of integrity. He was genuine and authentic. He was without duplicity and guile.

Despite the weaknesses that we all share, Bartholomew's heart was in the right place. He had a love for truth and desire to do what was right. He needed some polishing, but was a moldable and teachable vessel in the Master's hands. That is why we should not be surprised that early in his conversation with Jesus he said, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (Jn. 1:49).

When I travel to Armenia they are always quick to remind me of their Christian heritage. According to their traditions, they still to this day trace the inception of their church to the missionary work of their patron saint, Bartholomew.

Thomas

We are all very familiar with the disciple named Thomas. While his true biblical nickname was Didymus (which mean "the twin") (Jn. 11:16), church lore has ascribed to him the common nickname: "Doubting." In a moment we will observe the infamous event that generated that title. When we examine the character of Thomas, we do come to see that the man was a rather pessimistic individual. He was a worrywart. He was a brooder. He was Eeyore on Winnie the Pooh that just moped around with a tendency to see everything in the worst possible light.

The events from John 20 have forever shaped the church's perception of Thomas. The crucifixion had already occurred and the disciples were gathered together, all the disciples except Thomas (Jn. 20:24). Yet while they were fearful and confused, the resurrected Jesus Christ suddenly appeared in their presence (Jn. 20:19) bringing peace (Jn. 20:19, 21).

The excitement found its way to the absent disciple. "So the other disciples were saying to him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe'" (Jn. 20:25). Eight days later Jesus returned and confronted the doubting one. "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing" (Jn. 20:27). Then Jesus went on to say, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (Jn. 20:29).

But before we are too hard on Thomas, let's remember a few facts that we often tend to overlook pertaining to this event. First, the other disciples did not believe in the resurrection until they saw Jesus either. And second, when Thomas saw the Lord he uttered one the deepest most profound confessions ever to come off the lips of an apostle: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn. 20:28).

Thomas is remembered as the "doubting one," but he could have easily been remembered as the "courageous one." An overlooked passage comes from John 11 when the other disciples were afraid to reenter Bethany. When Jesus proposed the suggestion, "[They] said to Him, 'Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?'" (Jn. 11:8). Yet it was Thomas who said, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him" (Jn. 11:16).

Praise God for His patience with our doubts and worry and negative attitudes. Praise God that He helps us, as He did Thomas, overcome these debilitating sins.

Matthew

And when we consider the God who gives us a fresh start, how can we not consider the disciple named Matthew?

Also named Levi (Mk. 2:14; Lk. 5:27, 29), Matthew wrote the Gospel we are presently studying. But what sets Matthew apart from the rest was his occupation as a tax collector.

Few in first century Palestine were viewed as greater sinners. Tax collectors were notorious for being corrupt, vile and ruthless. And to have a fellow Jew supporting the Roman machine at the expense of his own people was perhaps the greatest act of treason. No wonder tax collectors were forbidden to even enter any synagogue.

Yet despite his background and his reputation Jesus said, "Follow Me" (Mt. 9:9). The text says that Matthew instantaneously got up and left behind his lucrative occupation. And overjoyed over his new relationship with the Savior, Matthew immediately threw a party to introduce his friends to Jesus (Mt. 9:10). Friends like fellow tax collectors and harlots and the other riffraff with whom a man like Matthew would have been associated.

Yet these are the kind of people Jesus came to save. When questioned why He would gladly dine with such a motley crew, Jesus replied, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Mt. 5:31-32).

People like Matthew are the ones that realize their sin. So people like Matthew are the ones that subsequently see their need for a Savior.

James (The Less)

The next disciple mentioned is James. And since this James is to be distinguished from James, the brother of John, he is identified in Matthew 10 as "James the son of Alphaeus." At times he is referred to as "James the Less" (Mk. 15:40) Not necessarily a flattering name but an appropriate one. Apart from the name of his father and mother (Mk. 15:40), we know virtually nothing about this man.

He was obviously a behind-the-scenes type of guy. MacArthur, in the book I benefited from greatly to prepare this sermon, said, "Apparently he sought no recognition. He displayed no great leadership. He asked no critical questions, he demonstrated no unusual insight. Only his name remains, while his life and labors are immersed in obscurity" (Twelve Ordinary Men , p. 172). It makes sense, for every group with a "Peter the Greater," you need about ten "James the Lessers."

Thaddaeus

Thaddaeus, also named "Judas (not Iscariot)," is a man seldom spoken of in the Bible. The only specific reference to him in Scripture is found in John 14:21 where he asks our Lord a gentle and humble question. Thaddaeus, like James the less, was content to play the most difficult instrument in the orchestra - second fiddle.

Simon

Next is Simon. In the listing of the disciples in Luke, he is referred to as "Simon the Zealot" (Lk. 6:15). It appears he was at one time a member of the political party known as Zealots.

From historical accounts we know that the Zealots hated the Romans. They despised Roman occupation and wished to overthrow their rule by whatever means necessary, even terrorism and marked assassination. They were an extremist and outlawed political sect composed of individuals with a fiery disposition who believed they were doing God's work. They were the modern day Al-Qaeda.

While Simon is rarely spoken of in the Bible, we have to consider Matthew the Roman tax collector and Simon the Jewish Zealot - two men on opposite ends of the political spectrum - now on the same team. If they can serve together, there are no excuses for church disunity. And again we must consider Jesus Christ when we consider the people He chose - what they were and what they became through His power.

Judas

Lastly we have Judas. His name appears last on every biblical list identifying the apostles. When we get to Acts, it doesn't appear at all (Ac 1:13). Judas is the villain of villains. He stands even above other world-renowned figures such as Hitler, Bin Laden and Manson. He will forever be known as the "Betrayer" (Mt. 10:4) - selling his Friend for handful of money and identifying Him to the arresters with a kiss.

From the biblical records it appears he never was a man of moral character (Jn. 12:6). In all likelihood it seems he followed Christ only out of worldly ambition and selfish gain. Somewhere along the line he became disillusioned. Jesus was not the political leader that he and most Jews expected. Jesus no longer met his greatest needs as he perceived them to be. In his eyes Jesus was expendable, a decision that became clear as his heart continually hardened.

He followed the temptations of Satan (Jn. 13:2). He pursued his own agenda. He fooled himself and even the rest of the disciples. For example, even at the Lord's Supper when a betrayer was announced, the disciples were shocked that it would be one of them (Mk. 14:19). There is no hint that any of them believed it could have been Judas. He fooled others, even attempted to fool himself (Mt. 26:25), but nothing caught our Lord by surprise. Jesus knew Judas was "a devil" (Jn. 6:70). And He knew this was all according to the purposed and prophetic plan of God (Psm. 55:12-14).

The Bible says Judas was remorseful for his actions, but never repentant. So in an effort to silence his conscience, he went out and hanged himself (Mt. 27:5; Ac. 1:18-19).

Judas was the poster-boy for hypocrisy. Jesus worked only if Jesus would work for him. No dedication. No commitment. No integrity. And no salvation. The twelfth disciple. Someone so close to Christ and never truly a disciple of Christ.

We can learn a lot about ourselves from studying these men, but more importantly we can learn a lot about the God we serve. When it came time for our Savior to select these men, He picked people who were different, and people who lacked incredible talents, and people who still struggled with sin.

I suppose when you are the living God you do not need help to overcome some deficiencies. And I suppose when you are the living God using the best would only detract from your glory. So when Jesus chose His followers, He chose ordinary people; He chose people just like you and I. He chose to magnify His great patience and great love and great power by starting with vessels of weakness (1 Cor. 1:26-29; 2 Cor. 12:9), transforming them through His presence to be vessels just like the rabbi.

As I mentioned during the introduction, the rabbis of Jesus' time chose only the best and the brightest. They would have never considered a tax collector and a zealot. And the mere fact that most of our Lord's disciples were fishermen meant they were rejected by the religious elite because they just did not have what it took to meet the standards. All these men lost out somewhere along the line. All these men were convinced that they were not good enough.

Yet with Rabbi Jesus all are welcomed to enter His school of discipleship. Unlike the others, He takes those without oratorical skill, leadership abilities and academic qualifications. He works with the mistakes and the blunders. But like the others, He expects strict adherence to His teaching. He only takes devoted followers because He is into changing people through the power of the cross and then using them in the most fulfilling mission to leave an indelible impact on the world.

What Jesus began with the original 12 disciples He is continuing with His disciples today, changing lives and building His kingdom.