10 - The Calling of the Twelve

Introduction to Gospel Discussions

  • Series of discussions focused on scriptures

  • Participants:

    • Professor Paul Hoskisson, Department of Ancient Scripture

    • Professor Brent L. Top, Department of Church History and Doctrine

    • Professor Camille Franck, Department of Ancient Scripture

    • Andrew Skinner, Department of Ancient Scripture

Themes in Jesus' Ministry

  • Inauguration of Ministry in Galilee

    • Discussion on Jesus' miracles indicating his atoning sacrifice.

  • Feast of Levi (Matthew)

    • Jesus' attendance at Levi's feast as a significant moment

    • Levi (Matthew) as a future disciple and apostle.

  • Publicans in Context

    • Publicans viewed negatively; seen as traitors for collecting taxes for Romans.

    • Publicans typically excommunicated from synagogues.

    • Their financial dealings involved excess collection and kickbacks.

Jesus' Acceptance of Sinners

  • Challenging Societal Norms

    • Jesus' actions defy traditional norms; he associates with those deemed outcasts.

    • Critical perspective on religious leaders' exclusivity.

  • Comparison of Acceptance

    • Noteworthy that marginalized individuals felt welcomed by Jesus.

    • Example of sinners like the woman washing Jesus' feet, indicating Jesus' outreach.

  • Audience Reflection

    • Discussion of how modern churchgoers respond to marginalized individuals today.

    • Call for inclusivity, contrasting with pharisaical murmurs against sinners in churches.

The Pharisees' Critique of Jesus

  • Criticism of Associations

    • Pharisees murmur against Jesus' companionship with sinners.

  • Jesus' Response

    • Paraphrase of Luke 5:31: "They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."

    • Teaching point: everyone is in need of redemption, but not all recognize their need.

    • Irony: self-righteousness blinding the Pharisees to their own sins.

  • Joseph Smith's Insights

    • Reference to Joseph Smith's teachings about Jesus dining with sinners as an act of invitation, not condoning wickedness.

Jesus on Fasting

  • Teaching on Fasting

    • Jesus answers queries on the fasting practices per Luke 5:33-35.

    • Parable of the Bridegroom: fasting has its time; He represents a spiritual feast.

    • Importance of recognizing spiritual hunger.

  • Rejection of Empty Rituals

    • Jesus condemns fasting for show; emphasizes sincere spiritual fasting for righteous purposes.

Parables of New Wine and Garment

  • Parable of New Wine

    • Explanation of wine in old skins vs. new skins; must start anew rather than patch old systems.

    • Metaphor for the transformative nature of the gospel compared to pre-existing customs.

  • Message Contextualization

    • Emphasis on the need for a new approach to religion, not mere reforms of Judaism.

    • Jesus’ mission was not intended for mere amendments but was about foundational renewal.

Calling of the Twelve Apostles

  • Selection of Apostles

    • Description of Jesus praying all night before selecting the Twelve.

    • Importance of prayer before significant decisions.

  • Definition Clarity

    • Distinction between disciples (with a focus on learning) versus apostles (commissioned to act).

  • List of Apostles

    • Names include:

    • Simon (Peter)

    • Andrew

    • James

    • John

    • Philip

    • Bartholomew

    • Matthew

    • Thomas

    • James (son of Alpheus)

    • Simon (known as Zelotes)

    • Judas (son of James)

    • Judas Iscariot (the traitor)

  • Highlighting Unlikely Candidates

    • Apostles from common backgrounds, not the elite.

    • Jesus choosing unlikely candidates emphasizes his approach to choosing leaders among the humble.

Reflection on Apostolic Role

  • Diversity and Background

    • Variety reflected in professions and personalities of the Apostles.

    • Noted differences between their previous lives and the calling as Apostles.

  • General Understanding of Apostolic Authority

    • Emphasis on priesthood authority rather than educational pedigree.

    • Apostle's empowerment rooted in divine callings and commission from Jesus, not human achievement.

    • Modern parallels drawn with contemporary leaders and the concept of foreordination in spiritual callings.

Conclusion and Reflections

  • Theme of Empowerment through Calling

    • Affirmation of heavenly calling irrespective of worldly qualifications.

    • Understanding the mantle of Apostleship as a divine empowerment driving their mission to testify of Christ.

  • Final Notes

    • Jesus’ model highlights inclusivity and acceptance as key virtues.

    • The mission reflects God’s pattern throughout history—choosing the humble to confound the wise.