The Unknown Ones weren’t Unknown to Jesus, 2023 Lenten Blog Post #7

 

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. (Mark 11:1-7, New Living Translation) 

Today is Palm Sunday, and we probably all know the story of the triumphant return of Jesus to Jerusalem. But during Lent this year, I’ve been blogging about Jesus’ twelve disciples. I’ve already written about John, James, Andrew, and Matthew and have plans to talk about Peter and the infamous Judas Iscariot next weekend. Oh, and we all remember Doubting Thomas. But what about the other five? Were two of them the ones called to bring the young donkey to Jesus?  

Philip, Bartholomew (who also might be known as Nathanael), James (the other James, son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus (also known at Jude or another Judas) and Simon the Zealot. With all the name possibilities for these guys, it’s no wonder there is so little known about them.

Then he got into a boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly a terrible storm came up, with waves higher than the boat. But Jesus was asleep.

            The disciples went to him and wakened him, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re sinking!”

            But Jesus answered, “O you men of little faith! Why are you so frightened?” Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm subsided and all was calm.

The disciples just sat there, awed! “Who is this,” they asked themselves, “that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:23-27, Living Bible)

I believe that Jesus called each of these men for a specific reason. And even if some of them aren’t identified by name in what they do and say, they each have their place in the teachings of Jesus.

Also, Jesus knew each of their names and everything else about them. Just like He knows your name and everything about you. Don’t ever think that you or your name is insignificant to Jesus. Everything about you is special to Him.