9 - Choosing the Twelve

Called to Lead: The Twelve Apostles

Bible Passage: Luke 6:12–16

Summary: In this passage, Jesus spends an entire night in prayer before selecting the Twelve Apostles, showing the significance of divine guidance in leadership choices.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to seek God’s direction in their lives, especially when making significant decisions. Understanding the importance of prayer and confirmation from God's word can strengthen faith and clarity in one's calling.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that effective leadership is rooted in prayer and seeking God’s will. It underscores the importance of community in following Christ, as seen through the formation of the Apostolic group.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Jesus as the ultimate guide in choosing spiritual leaders, highlighting how He equips and calls individuals to serve in His mission, reflecting God's plan of redemption through the church.

Big Idea: God raises and equips leaders for His purposes, and the church thrives when we prioritize prayer and God’s calling.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider examining the cultural and historical context of leadership in the first-century Jewish society using Logos. Look at how the choice of the Twelve reflects God's covenantal faithfulness and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding leadership. Additionally, explore commentaries that delve into the significance of prayer in Jesus' decision-making process.

1. Prioritize Prayer Power

Luke 6:12

Perhaps you could highlight the importance of prioritizing prayer in our lives, especially before making big decisions. Emphasize how Jesus, even amid His busy ministry, spends the night in prayer, suggesting our reliance on God’s wisdom over our understanding. This aligns with the Christocentric theme of Jesus as our model for faithfulness and obedience. This step serves as a reminder that intimacy with God through prayer is crucial for discerning His guidance in our leadership and life decisions.

2. Pursue Purposeful Community

Luke 6:13

You could suggest that Jesus’ act of bringing together the disciples teaches us about the importance of community in leadership. He calls them by name, symbolizing that God knows us individually and has specific roles for us in His Kingdom. This supports the idea that God equips and raises leaders for His purposes, fulfilling His divine plan through communal structures like the church.

3. Positioned for Purpose

Luke 6:14-16

Maybe you would examine the diverse backgrounds of the Twelve Apostles, illustrating that God calls and equips a variety of people to serve His mission. This reflects God’s inclusivity and how different talents and personalities are part of the redemptive story led by Christ. Encouraging the congregation to recognize their unique callings and gifts can inspire them to engage more fully in their faith and community.

What significant action did Jesus take before choosing the Twelve Apostles?

How does Jesus demonstrate the importance of prayer in making decisions?

What does the act of Jesus calling each disciple by name signify regarding community?

What does the sermon highlight about the diverse backgrounds of the Twelve Apostles?

In what way does the sermon suggest that God raises leaders for specific purposes?