What Jesus Did! 'Just 12 Men' — Matthew 10:1-4

Sunday, April 27, 2025

We're Not There Yet—Will You Help Us Reach Our Goal?

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Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles:

first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter's brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James's brother),
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

— Matthew 10:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

What an interesting, amazing, and strange group to choose if your goal is to forever change the world! But there they are. A dozen men who, because of Jesus' life and resurrection and the power of the Spirit, forever changed the history of our planet. We have such a great temptation to revere these men because of the good they did. While we must be appreciative of those who were faithful and paid the ultimate price for their discipleship, we must also realize that the glory of their service is found in their Master, not in their being the Master's servants. What makes them special is that Jesus called them and gave them authority to do great works to bless others. I wonder what he wants to do with us. I wonder what role he wants us to play in his great work of redemption.

Today's Prayer

O gracious God and Father, give me the heart to follow Jesus, the faith to expect his great works to be done through me, and the humility to give him all the glory for what happens that is good. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 4:13
  • John 14:11-14
  • Acts 14:14-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 10:1-4 NLT — Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

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.

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