Luke 24:1-12
The apostles…
On this Easter Sunday I thought it’d be a great time to remind ourselves of our apostle hood. In Luke’s gospel the disciples we know so well are actually set apart in a different way. The first disciples are called in the usual way along the lakeshore, but when chapter six of Luke’s gospel comes around something different happens. Jesus goes to pray by himself and when he returns he chooses twelve apostles out of the multitude of disciples. For once we see the magnitude of Jesus’ ministry. There are multitudes of disciples, yet twelve apostles chosen to help Jesus in a different way. For there is a difference between the two words. The word disciple means “learner”, but the word apostle means “to be sent.”
Why this distinction and change of narrative in Luke? What is his goal? We hear in the resurrection story the twelve being referred to as apostles. Luke, I feel, is making a distinction that will carry into the book of Acts. For these apostles will go on to heal, to preach, to carry the message of Jesus. So, the question becomes for us now: are we disciples or apostles?
Easter is a perfect time to remind ourselves of the transformation we must go through in our own walks of faith. We cannot all just sit in the learner stage only forever. We might walk in the hybrid of the two like the eleven who were told, or Peter who runs to check for himself. Maybe we find ourselves out living fully into the apostle hood like the women at the tomb.
Luke’s resurrection story shows us the messiness of believing and living into what Jesus proclaims. We struggle with learning, proclaiming, and serving. We find what we believe to be idle tales sometimes and need proof to carry on. Jesus knows that, yet still invites us and claims us as followers. It’s through our learning, doubting, exploring, and experiencing that we find ourselves living an apostle life. The empty tomb invites us into discovering where and who we are. May Christ’s surprise of life over death send us out to live fully and keep learning.
Questions for Reflection:
- What ways do you see yourself more as a disciple?
- What ways do you find yourself living into your apostle hood?
Prayer:
Jesus of the Empty Tomb,
Whatever way you claim and name us, continue to guide our walks of life and faith. Nudge us to speak your love and also nudge us to leave space to learn and listen. May your love and new life guide our hearts this day and always. Amen.
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