Twelve. That’s the number of disciples we are used to hearing about. But what if I told you there was a 13th disciple. One that isn’t spoken of much, but is just as important as the rest. Would you believe me?
For many of you, we would first have to get passed the suspicion surrounding the Number 13. Considered by many to be a number symbolic of bad luck you would assume no good could be associated with such a position.
The odd number, the one that doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest, the one that everyone rejects!
Defined as One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another, all disciples share one thing in common and that is that they are all hand selected. Despite popular belief, it is the teacher who chooses His followers. Though many may express an interest, only a few have what it takes.
Criteria isn’t very complicated. In fact when Jesus considered who He would select as part of His core group He didn’t seek out the perfect. On the contrary, He searched for the broken whom would allow themselves to be made whole! He searched for the number 13’s.
This weekend I watched a movie that tells the story of a number 13. If you haven’t seen Risen, I recommend that you do. It is a tale of one who met the criteria for the position of 13th Disciple quite easily. He was the odd one out, he didn’t fit in with the rest of the group that followed Jesus, and he was rejected and feared by many. He was the absolute perfect number 13! Of course what made him perfect wasn’t his flaws but the fact that his life was changed by love and his desire to tell others of G-d’s acceptance.
Jesus’ original 12 disciples came from all walks of life. Included in the group were fishermen, tax collectors, political activists, common people and what were considered uncommon leaders. Some were rich, some were poor, some were educated and some were not. Yet, they all had one thing in common…they were spreading the Word and testifying of the acceptance of all!
This evening as I sit here and write this blog, I can’t help but think of myself as a number 13. My past qualifies me for the position…least likely, odd number out, fragmented etc. But what makes me absolutely perfect for the position is when I look in the mirror and see my flaws covered by His love and grace. It is then that I am reminded that I was hand selected by Him.
What do you see in the mirror today? A 13th Disciple?
Hey Rosie,
I came over today on Social Butterfly to find your post.
I’ve heard that Risen is a good movie. Glad to hear your thoughts on it! We will have to go and see it!
And, I love your question today – “What do you see in the mirror today? A 13th Disciple?”
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Hi Melanie…welcome! It is a very good movie and I recommend it. Glad you enjoyed it.
I had a dream where I met Jesus in the Israel desert where he was with his disciples..when he came over to me he asked if I’d like to follow him (I wasn’t a Christian then)..but I looked at the disciples and said, but there are only men here. He said, that’s okay, you can be my 13th disciple! Your post so resonates..By the way, the dream changed my life! I started following Him..
Wow! That is a beautiful dream and it really stirs my spirit to hear it. What is even better is that you answered His call! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I love thinking of myself as a 13th disciple, hand selected by Jesus. Because it’s true! Thank you for this sweet encouragement. I’m your neighbor at #RaRa link up today. : )
Hi Dawn. Yes, its a great thing!
THIS: “This evening as I sit here and write this blog, I can’t help but think of myself as a number 13. My past qualifies me for the position…least likely, odd number out, fragmented etc. But what makes me absolutely perfect for the position is when I look in the mirror and see my flaws covered by His love and grace. It is then that I am reminded that I was hand selected by Him.” I have heard great things about the movie Risen. I will indeed have to check it out. Blessed to be your neighbor at Testimony Tuesday today.
Hi Tara. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by.
God does not call the qualified but qualifies the call.
It’s really inspiring to know that we don’t need to be perfect for God to consider us as His own.
Love this post. 🙂
That is very well said Lux…Thank you for commenting.
God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.
It’s really inspiring to know that we don’t need to be perfect for God to consider us as His own.
Love this post. 🙂
How beautiful! I love the thought of thinking of myself as the 13th Disciple, hand-picked by Jesus, but then all believers are. We can’t come to Him unless the Spirit draws us. It is so awesome that He goes looking for us. If only everyone would respond …
Thanks for sharing at the Loft today.
Yes, ideally everyone would respond. I am glad you enjoyed it and thank you for stopping by.
Great post, Rosie. I love that God can take what the world would write-off and make it into something priceless. May we all seek to be His disciples. Glad to be your neighbor at #threewordwednesday.
Tiffany, thank you for stopping by. Yes, may we all seek to be His disciples.
Welcome back to The Loft, Rosie. So glad you joined us! Your is a thought provoking post. Yes, each of us are disciples of Christ….learners, followers, witnesses. I’m so glad Jesus does not just choose perfection, because we would all be sunk. Have a great day!!
I am glad too. If that was the measuring stick, no one would measure up.
Rosie, thank you for the reminder that even though we’re “least likely” and I’m just plain odd, God hand chooses me to do work for Him! Your #livefreeThursday neighbor, Cindy
Yes, He chooses the least qualified. Thanks for stopping by Cindy.
Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday!
I have been wanting to see this movie, and now I want to see it more because of your post! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
You will enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.
I have never heard about this very interesting. Sounds like a good movie too. Full of thought. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Thank for stopping by Jenny.