I often defend the sadducees and the pharisees
These were not, by and large, evil men. They honestly wanted to serve God and serve their nation as decreed by God. But I have to wonder why God the Father decided that His Son should take twelve “working class” men and teach them?
There are beautiful customs and traditions in the Jewish tradition. Prayers that grip your heart and songs that lift your face to God. Jesus celebrated all of that, and we should also…
So why disciples? When Jesus was a young boy, He taught in the temple “…and all who heard Jesus speak were astounded…” – why not just teach from the temple?
I don’t know why Jesus chose the disciples instead, but I think the last verse of John 16 is a good place to start pondering the question, and like the disciples proclaimed “… At last you’re speaking to us clearly and not using veiled speech and metaphors!” (v29)
“…And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)
And everything I’ve taught you is so that:
The peace which is in me will be in you;
and
Will give you great confidence as you rest in me.
For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows,
But you must be courageous,
for
I have conquered the world!”
