When we meet the 12 apostles of Jesus, we need to know that they are not an accidental band of misfits. Jesus chose them prayerfully. They answered his call and followed him. He chose them carefully because he was about to invest his remaining time in training them. They would go with him and learn by being at his side—not just hearing his message, but seeing his life. What are we to learn from this? It seems to me that several lessons are important. First, Jesus chooses how he will use those of us who follow him—he is Lord and that is his right and responsibility. Second, we have to answer his call to follow; he will not force us. Third, the diversity and seeming insignificance of those he chose is purposeful—Jesus sees things in us and in others that we cannot see and longs to use us in his cause in special ways.