In Jesus's time, the disciples looked for a Rabbi to follow. But Jesus turned this whole idea on its head. It is Jesus who seeks out and chooses his disciples. Jesus chose his disciples then, and he continues to choose his disciples now. Moreover, Jesus interacts with his disciples in a different way than other teachers.
The power of
knowledge can be used as a tool to keep students subservient. Knowledge is sometimes shared on a “need-to-know basis”, with the teacher deciding what the student needs to know. Jesus, on the other hand, is quite upfront about why he is calling his disciples and commits straight away to teach the disciples everything he knows. Moreover, Jesus does not simply give us head knowledge and then leave us to figure out what to do with it by trial and error. Jesus shows us by example how to live our new
resurrected life by the way he lives himself.
When Jesus chooses us to be his disciples, the way for us to experience the fullness of God’s love as he did is opened. Jesus wants us to tell our story and celebrate with us everything God gives us.
This not only speaks of Jesus being assured of his own preciousness in the eyes of God. It also shows us that we are precious
in God’s sight. Jesus is inviting us to undertake an active part in unfolding the resurrection life of creation. Jesus does not place us above him; only the Father can occupy this space. He does not place us below him as other Rabbis did. He places us next to him as his friends, effectively reinstating us as co-creators with God as we were supposed to be before the fall.
Think about your closest friend. What about that person
makes you want them next to you?
What do you expect of this friend, and what do you think they can rightfully expect of you?
How are you being a good friend to Jesus? Is there more you would like to do for him? What has prevented this from happening?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
