What Jesus Did! 'Real People' — Luke 6:14-16

Friday, March 24, 2023

[The names of the apostles are]
Simon (whom [Jesus] named Peter),
Andrew (Peter's brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed [Jesus]).

Key Thought

So often we forget that our Bible heroes were real people. They had names, but like many of us, their friends gave some of them nicknames. They had personal histories; so, like many of us, their names are associated with those histories. They came from families, and some of them were known by their relationship with one of their parents or a sibling. Unfortunately, one of them lived in such a way as to forever stain his name. Who we are is based on our idiosyncrasies, our heritage, and our choices. The wonderful thing about Jesus, however, is that who we become does not have to be forever tied to those things. Jesus can take the good in our past and make us far better. He can take the bad in our past and make us new and use those failures to be the beginning point of ministering to others who are facing similar problems. So, before we place the apostles on a pedestal, let's remember that they were ordinary guys [1] whose lives were changed by Jesus. If he can do that with them, he can surely do that with us too!

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, the God who created me in my mother's womb, please continue your work of creation in me as I yield my heart to the leading of your Spirit. Don't leave me where I am, but make me into a vessel fit for service in your Kingdom and in honor of my King. In the name of Jesus, your royal Son and my King, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:14-16 NLT — Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed [Jesus]).

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, March 24, 2023

Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, who sees my heart, Help me to follow the excellent example of the Apostle Paul. Though he had a right to earn his livelihood from his..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Jacob's sons became jealous of Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and saved him from all his troubles. The king of..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Our blessed Lord experienced a terrible sinking and melting of soul. "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"When we get our spiritual house in order, we'll be dead. This goes on. You arrive at enough certainty to be able to make your way, but it is making it in..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.