Matthew 10:1–4 (ESV)
The Twelve Apostles
10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are
these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon
the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus selects representatives to extend His gracious kingdom. They are named individually and
given divine authority, demonstrating Jesus’ personal care for each disciple. The compassionate authority of forgiveness is given to each of Christ’s followers. We are sent with the message of God’s love to a world of sinners. Through the
waters of Baptism, God called us by name and made us His dear children.
I
pray: Thank You, Jesus, for making me one of Your followers. Help me to carry out Your mission as Your representative. Amen.
Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The
Lutheran Study Bible (p. 1599). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.