“He chose from them twelve.” Luke 6:13
Robert Coleman in his book Master Plan of Evangelism shared this perspective.
This was Jesus’ strategy. Jesus enlisted people who would share about his life and carry on his work after he left. Jesus intended these men to have unique privileges and responsibilities in the kingdom work.
This doesn’t mean Jesus excluded everyone else. He had the 70 as well as the 120 and even the masses. Jesus did not neglect the masses, even those who were more interested in his miracles (attractional ministry) . He continued to preach to the masses that followed his miracle working ministry. Jesus had such an attractional ministry that they wanted to make him king (John 6:15). The gospel clearly records that Jesus did not lack a popular following.
So I take from all of that that Jesus was both attractional and missional.
Could it be that those who can not draw a large crowd naturally support missional--could there be some jealously?(Nah , that wouldn’t be possible, would it?)
Could it be that those who are drawing large crowds are not emotionally healthy enough and secure in Christ to really let people into their life, so they would rather lead from a distance? (Nah, that wouldn’t be possible, would it?)
We argue about whether or not we are a missional church or an attractional church. The bottom line is, are lives being changed? Maybe it’s best summed up in this little writing from an unknown author:
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation, and I could indeed have changed the world.
Is that really what we are about? Changing the world?
Paul said, “ I not only shared the gospel with you , but my very own life.”
The Right Question : Who are your 12 ?
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Acts 17:6
