Banquet With The King: Choosing His Disciples

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons. These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he named Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Mark 3:13-19

Meditate on discipleship.

Jesus had many followers, but it was time to choose those He wanted to teach most—to be His closest students. He was the Rabbi. To begin this process, He spent some time in prayer, seeking guidance from His heavenly Father. A good example for all of us when we have a big or any decision to make. This is recorded in the book of Luke. Jesus spent all night praying! When was the last time you spent an extended time praying? Have you ever prayed all night? A Psalmist describes praying all night.

I pray all night long.

I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Psalm 77:1-3

One day, soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak, he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Luke 6:12-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

This list of chosen disciples is also found in Matthew 10:1-4. Chosen. Specifically selected, probably by God the Father Himself. I imagine that Jesus and the Father went through the list, and knowing the future, picked the ones who would have the most impact on the future of the ministry. Interestingly, there were two Simons, two Jameses, and two Judases. Common names for that time period. We get to know only a few of them personally through later scripture and through their historical accounts. Simon Peter becomes a leader after Jesus ascends into heaven, and he is filled with the Holy Spirit. John is known to have lived the longest, and is the author of the books of John, the epistles 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation. He was said to have been the only disciple who was not martyred. Of course, as noted, Judas Iscariot was the one who betrayed Jesus, thus humiliating himself and committing suicide. Such a poor choice. We all have choices to make throughout life.

Jesus continues to choose His disciples every day. Those responding to His call follow Him, just as the original twelve did. Follow Jesus. Seek Him. Learn about His mercy and grace for your life. Are you His disciple?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I hear You calling, “Follow Me,” and I am eager to know You more. Like Peter in the Garden, I can’t always stay awake to pray for even an hour. I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to be bold for You. Please give me strength and a new awareness of what You are doing in and through my life. From Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. Luke 10:21 AMP

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are seven healing foods of Israel, including wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey or dates. This is identified in Deuteronomy when the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land.

For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. Deuteronomy 8:7-8

In the Torah, wheat represents peace, wealth, and tranquility. Although wheat causes gluten problems for many people today, it has been known since Bible times to contain an abundance of health benefits. Is it that the grain was purer then, so it didn’t cause inflammation? There are different benefits to the various forms of wheat, like grain, wheatgrass, or flour, due to different amounts of protein, and particular vitamins and enzymes at different stages of growth of the grain kernels. Medically, wheat properties include improving digestion and circulation. It raises iron levels in the blood, while strengthening the heart, purifying the blood, strengthening the brain, and sharpening mental activity.

To sprout wheat, soak wheat berries 8-12 hours, then rinse and drain twice a day for 1-4 days until tiny sprouts appear. Sprouts can be eaten as soon as the roots appear, or you can wait and let the sprouts grow taller. As the green shoots appear, the vitamin levels increase. Eating about one tablespoon of the sprouts a day, chewing them well, is a good amount to start. The sprouted grain can also be juiced, added to salads, or even to bread dough. It is a diverse and wholesome food.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Banquet With The King

Friday, April 10, 2026

Choosing His Disciples

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