Wednesday 18 June 2008

Background

Jesus presents his contemporary Jews with a new way of beingIsrael - the people of God. Where the devout urged a more rigorousobedience to the Law of Moses and a tighter definition of whoreally belonged to Israel and who didn't, Jesus broke regulationsabout working on the Sabbath and reached out to welcome outcastslike prostitutes and tax collectors. The stories in Luke's Gospeljust before this one are full of examples of Jesus' new approachand of the furious reaction of his opponents.

In the Old Testament the 12 sons of Jacob became the ancestors ofthe 12 tribes of Israel. By choosing 12 followers - a disciple issomeone who travels with a spiritual leader in order to learn fromthem - and calling them apostles, or those who are 'sent out' asmessengers and representatives, Jesus staked a claim to be creatinga new community - a new Israel.

The New Testament shows little interest in the biographies of theapostles. The first disciple on the list, Simon, has beenremembered for his nickname, 'Peter', meaning 'Rocky'. The otherSimon is identified by Luke as a Zealot, one of those who tookopposition to Roman imperial rule to the extent of supporting anarmed struggle for liberation.

Among the mixed bag of disciples is Judas Iscariot, so namedperhaps from the southern town of Kerioth, making him an outsiderin a group drawn from the northern region of Galilee. Judas isalready identified as the traitor, although he has not yet made hisfateful decision to betray Jesus.

Jesus attracts great crowds. In Luke's story they come from allcorners of the country - from Jerusalem and the southern provinceof Judea, and from the northern coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon.In a world of hopes, dreams and needs the reputation of Jesus andhis demonstration of God's power prove irresistible.

To Ponder

What do you expect to receive from Jesus? What doyou need from him?

What place does prayer have in yourdecision-making?