September 3, 2024 • 26 mins
Discover how God’s sovereignty unfolds as Matthias is chosen to continue the mission of the early church, reminding us of the power of prayer and divine guidance in our lives.
In this episode of The Jesus Podcast, we explore the significance of Matthias being chosen to replace Judas among the twelve apostles. As the disciples seek guidance through prayer, they demonstrate the importance of faith and reliance on God’s wisdom in fulfilling their divine calling.
Today's Bible verse is 2 Peter 1:10, from the King James Version.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and
election sure, for if you do these things, you will
never stumble. Second Peter one ten. Tavenly Father, we thank
you for the beautiful calling you have placed upon our
lives through Christ. We are humbled that you have chosen
us not because of our worthiness, but because of your
(00:23):
grace and love. Lord, We acknowledge our need for your
guidance as we seek to confirm our calling and election.
Grant us the wisdom and diligence to walk in a
manner worthy of this calling, that we may not stumble,
but stand firm in faith. Strengthen our hearts to pursue righteousness,
(00:47):
and let our lives be a reflection of your goodness.
Empower us to be a light in this world, faithfully
serving and glorifying your name in all that we do.
In Jesus precious name, we pray Amen. Thank you for
praying with me today. You are listening to the Jesus Podcast.
(01:09):
Remain here for another dramatized story inspired by the Book
of Acts and the birth of the Church. If this
podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow so you
never have to miss an episode. The scorching sun beat
down on Judas's neck, but the heat was of little
(01:31):
significance compared to the guilt that lay heavy on his shoulders.
Pulling his head towards the earth, a mixture of sweat
and tears poured from his face. He tried to hold
back the floodgates, firmly pressing his hands to his eyes,
with no noticeable effect. He struggled to catch his breath,
(01:52):
which only reflected his fruitless attempts to collect his own sanity.
He stood in the middle of the newly acquired potter's field,
meant as a burial place for foreigners. It had been
bought from the potter with the thirty pieces of silver
paid to Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. But purchasing
the field had cost Judas much more than a mere
(02:15):
bag of coins. He had forsaken and betrayed the man
he once called rabbi, the man who had called him
a friend and washed his feet with the humility of
a servant, the man that was going to free the world.
But despite Jesus's power to break judas chains, the fallen
(02:38):
disciple willingly bound himself in the shackles of his present shame.
He let out a cry birthed from his paniced state.
The yell echoed in judas ears, before disappearing into the
empty expanse of the sky. Judas looked up and called
out in anguish.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Lie, I have failed you. There's nothing that could ever
cover my sin. I don't deserve it in a second
of his life.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
I be cursted.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
As long as I live and breathe.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Judas slumped to his knees dragged his fingers through the
coars dirt. If he had only opened his heart, he
could have found the forgiveness Jesus had always offered. But
as was his nature, Judas was taking measures into his
own hands. Though judas betrayal paved the way for Jesus
(03:40):
to take on the sins of the world, Judas would
deal with his own sin and the way he felt
the most appropriate. He looked at the lone tree beside him.
Tied from the sturdiest branch was a rope undulating in
the breeze like a daunting serpent. Judas closed his eyes
(04:01):
and prepared for his last moments on earth.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
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to Gediphi shoes with patentive versoshock technology, which aligns your body,
provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gdiphi
offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics.
(04:31):
Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on
the go, Gdiphi shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your
fee crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled
support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit gdiphi
dot com and get twenty dollars off your order of
one hundred dollars or more with code prey. Experience the
(04:55):
miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi shoes. Visit g d
efy dot com today.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Imagine the scene. Jerusalem is buzzing with the aftermath of
Jesus's resurrection and ascension. The Disciples, now a bit disoriented
but filled with purpose, nonetheless, find themselves gathered in the
Upper Room on a mission to replace judas Is Scariot,
the betrayer. The tension is palpable, the stakes are high,
and the method they choose for this divine selection might
(05:30):
surprise you. Today we're going to dive into a story
inspired by Acts one twelve through twenty six and see
how the first century Church navigated a crucial decision with grace, unity,
and perhaps a touch of divine dice rolling. Welcome to
the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach Frompray dot com Stoke to
continue our new miniseries on the birth of the Church.
(05:51):
You already know what to do. Make sure to subscribe
to this podcast and follow on whatever platform you're listening
to leave a review and share with a friend. The
podcast space isn't easy. It's crowded and there's a lot
of content out there. We're really glad that you've decided
to sit with us here today.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
The tree ceased their stirring as the clouds shut around
the ascended Messiah. The disciples gathered at the foot of
the Mount of Olives, eyes locked on the two men
dressed in white. Before any of them could compose themselves
enough to utter a word, the two men disappeared from
in front of them with the same swiftness in which
(06:33):
they had arrived.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
So we all sold that men.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Right, We must have that, or we all ate the
wrong kind of berries for lunch.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
James John, this is no time for jokes.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Peter's mind was racing, feeling a self imposed pressure to
calculate their next moves. He knew they were trying to
break the tension and humor was their attempt to cope.
He wondered if his reprimand was simply a fall back
to his vain, glorious ways of living, or if these
were the moments where Jesus wanted Peter to be a
(07:16):
rock for the rest of the disciples. He defaulted to
reiterate jesus command, knowing that using their master's words as
guidance was the best way to lead in his absence.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Jesus told us, we need to wait in Jerusalem for
this spirit. We're not going to want to miss it
whenever it happens. If we start working now, we can
be there before nightfall.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
Peter's right, we might not know everything that's going on,
but we at least know where we need to be, Thomas.
Once we're in the city, can you find the women
and Jesus's family, Tell them to gather together in the
room we've been staying in. We'll figure out the plan
from there, of.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Course, Andrew, But how do you propose we figure out
a plan Jesus just said to wait, doesn't seem like
much to go off of.
Speaker 6 (08:08):
We'll find our answers the same way Jesus always did
when he was with us. We're going to pray.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
The disciples nodded in agreement. Andrew and Peter were right.
Nobody knew quite how this new system worked without Jesus.
Jesus had preached a kingdom of equals, eradicating pride and
hierarchies by saying the last would be first and the
first would be last, But they weren't sure how this
(08:36):
fit into leading the charge of carrying out jesus mission.
All they could do was abide by the words Jesus
had left them, then follow the model he set for
them during his time on earth. They hastily packed their
bags with what little belongings they had left and trod
along the road toward the Holy City. As they marched,
(08:59):
they wrestled with fear and doubts about what might happen next.
Each trip to Jerusalem over the years had come with
surprises and unexpected challenges. On two occasions, Jesus drove out
the money changers and flipped the merchant tables in the
temple courts. It was here that Jesus was nearly stoned,
(09:21):
and most recently, it was the place where they watched
jesus betrayal and crucifixion. Emotions ran high, his hope began
digging roots into the deep and dark areas of their hearts.
The journey ahead would be long, but faith only called
them to take one step at a time. Peter walked
(09:44):
at the front of the group. He glanced over his
shoulder at the rest of his friends. He could see
the same uncertainty in their faces that he felt in
his own mind. He closed his eyes and remembered the
teaching of Jesus on the mountain. Peter reiterated the words
to himself under his breath, as though Jesus was speaking
(10:07):
directly to him.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Don't worry, Peter, don't worry.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
The city streets were bursting with life as people casually
went about their daily lives, a stark contrast to how
the disciples were feeling.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Domas, we'll need you back at the house in one hour.
The rest of you take what money we have and
get some food and whatever other supplies we might need.
Andrew and you'll come with me for a second.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
The brother stepped aside as the rest of the disciples
dispersed into the crowds.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
How are you feeling, Peter. I can see you're taking
on a lot right now, and while I'm sure the
group appreciates any semblance of stability, I'd like to think
I can read you a little better.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Peter smiled at his older brother. Despite their ever changing
dynamics over the last three years, Andrew never seemed bothered
by Peter's elevated raw. His care for his brother was
a welcome source of comfort.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
I'm holding it together like the rest of us, but
I wonder to speak openly with you, if I'm being honest,
I don't know what it means to be the rock
on which Jesus builds his church. I don't want to
let him down. Ah, there's my baby brother.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Andrew class Peter's shoulder affectionately.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
If this one thing I've learned about being a disciple
of Jesus, it's that he expects us to stumble every
once in a while.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
The look on Peter's face showed that these words were
less than encouraging.
Speaker 6 (11:43):
But if there's anything we know about Jesus, it's that
he always gets us where we need to go take
a breath. Look around the world is still moving. Plus,
remember what he said, the gates of hell shall I'll
not prevail against his kingdom. All we can do is
(12:04):
pray and wait. You may be the rock, but he's
the one building the kingdom.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Peter hadn't realized he was holding his breath as his
brother spoke. He let out the air in his lungs
and with it all the anxiety that had built up.
Andrew's words were just what Peter needed to hear. He
was starting to accept that he didn't need to be
perfect or the best, He just needed to be obedient.
(12:34):
He pulled Andrew into a firm embrace. Thank you, brother.
The two sons of Jonah turned and took in the
view before them. Thousands of people filled the city with
a little clue as to what was being stirred up
in Jesus' wake. Back at the house, the disciples unloaded
their halls from the market. Thomas had arrived with several
(12:56):
of the women who had been Jesus followers a law
with Jesus mother and brothers. They had purposed in their
hearts to gather in this upper room and devote themselves
to prayer. Though they didn't know exactly what to ask,
they trusted God would give them the words to speak.
Determined to seek the face of God, they found seats
(13:19):
around the room and began to ask God for wisdom.
Their prayer gatherings went on for several days. After a
few hours of praying, on one particular day, the evening
had set in and the group huddled around several small
lamps burning on the table in the center of the room.
Despite only being a few short days since Jesus ascended
(13:41):
into heaven, some of the disciples began to feel restless.
They thought, surely there was some further action beyond prayer
they could take while they waited for the Lord's promise
to be fulfilled. Peter felt this most of all. He
had done his best to keep his impulsivity at bay,
(14:02):
knowing some of the unfortunate predicaments it had gotten him into.
Before he bounced his knee up and down. He studied
the marred wooden table as he mulled his thoughts over.
He had spent the last few days playing out different
scenarios in his head. Was this the time to share
his plan with the group? He hesitated before concluding to
(14:25):
keep his thoughts to himself, but even his best efforts
to center his mind on prayer couldn't placate the sensation
within him. Not know, he thought.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
But soon.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
The next day, followers of Jesus gathered in a clearing
in the corner of the market place. Over one hundred
and twenty men and women had heard about jesus resurrection
and eagerly sought.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
To know more.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
There, genuine belief in the power of Christ compelled them
to meet with one another. They eagerly away at the
guidance of jesus disciples. Peter, James, John, and Andrew stood
a few paces from the rest of the group.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
The people are getting about as restless as we are.
I mean, it's great to see that people believe in
Jesus as the Messiah, but what are we supposed to
do for them?
Speaker 5 (15:17):
Read's me, I'm having an odd enough time figuring out
how to deal with my own questions, let alone out
to answer all this. Well, Rock, do you have any
folks sort of matter.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Peter had been unusually reserved for most of the morning.
He couldn't escape his thoughts from the previous night. During
their time in prayer, he had spent most of the
night contemplating his plan, weighing the pros and cons. He
felt this was a defining moment, a chance to step
into the higher calling Jesus had given to them to
(15:52):
lead his followers. He met John's eyes.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
I've been thinking a lot since the amount of olives.
Not sure what will happen from here now, but I
do know. Did Jesus pick twelve of us for a reason?
And we'll need all the help we can get. Maybe
it's time we find a replacement for Judas. How can
you be sure that Jesus even wants us to fill
(16:16):
Judas's spot? As I prayed last night, I was reminded
of one of David's psalms. I'm going to trust it
was the Lord leading us.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Andrew beamed with pride for his brother. Peter learned the
tension between being a leader and submitting himself to the Lord.
James and John affirmed Peter's idea and encouraged him to
address the crowd. Peter turned and faced forward. The people's
murmuring slowly died away as they turned their attention towards Peter.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Brothers and sisters, because of your faith, you joined us
this morning to hear more about Jesus, who is Christ.
We know many of you have wondered why the Lord's
anointed one had to die on a cross, but it
was all done so that scripture could be fulfilled. Centuries ago,
(17:12):
the Holy Spirit spoke through David concerning our former colaborer Judas,
who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He
was one of our own and shared in the pains
and the joys of our ministry. For David wrote in
the Book of Psalms, may his place be deserted, let
(17:34):
there be no one to dwell in it, and may
another take his place of leadership. Therefore, in abiding by
the word of God, we must choose one to take
his place.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Someone shouted out from the center of the assembly.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
And how would this man be selected?
Speaker 1 (17:53):
A hint of interest could be heard in his voice
to a follower who hadn't experienced the persecution that came
with being one of jesus disciples during his earthly ministry.
This open position was equated with honor, respect, and authority.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
This role cannot be feeled by just anyone. We must
find a man who has been with us the whole time.
The Lord Jesus lived among us. One who has followed
Jesus from the beginning, since John's baptism to when Jesus
was taken up from us. For the Lord has called
us to be witnesses of his resurrection. If there is
(18:32):
anyone among you has been with us from the start,
please come forward.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Several small gaps formed in the crowd as the people
began talking amongst themselves. A few short moments later, two
men emerged from the people. The shorder of the two
was named Joseph, with the people often called Barsabas or Justice.
Though his broad shoulders gave him the stature of a
(18:57):
younger man, his age was exposed by his graying beard.
Next to him stood Matthias, a man no older than
the rest of the disciples. He had been no less
devoted to Jesus than the rest, but now he felt intimidated.
Standing before the gathering, he shifted his sandals on the
(19:19):
graveled promenade and watched the dust form into small mounds.
Barsabas was evidently the more confident of the two. Matthias
knew Barsabas and had seen how the community highly esteemed him.
His wisdom and life experience far surpassed his own. Surely
there was no competition here. Matthias questioned whether or not
(19:43):
he should even respond to the apostle's call. Peter's voice
engulfed matthias.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Inner monolog Brothers and sisters, we must seek the Lord's wisdom.
Let us lift up our eyes to the heavens. O, Lord,
you know everyone heart.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Matthias winced at the thought of the Lord knowing his
heart right now, he was ashamed of his current struggle
with doubt.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Show us which of these two you have chosen to
take over this Apostolic ministry? Which Judas left to go
where he belongs.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Peter removed a small satchel from his pocket. He emptied
several stones into his open palm. After a few shakes
and his closed fist, he tossed them to the stony walkway.
As they tumbled, Matthias prayed inwardly. He yearned for some
sense of peace, any sort of assurance that this was
(20:39):
where he was supposed to be. The stones found their
resting place. Peter knelt down to read the markings that
now faced up.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
My dear friends, the Lord has moved. It is with
great honor that I introduced to you the newest Apostle, Matthias.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Matthias's eyes went wide, his lungs paused mid breath. Had
he heard the apostle correctly? Had the Lord really chosen
him to be counted among the twelve? Impossible, he thought
to himself. But as the adrenaline subsided, Mattia's hearing returned
(21:18):
to him. As the sound of cheers and praises to
God were being lifted up by the believers, Peter bent
over to catch the new apostle's gaze.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Welcome, my brother.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
The young man looked up, sheepishly. Peter could sense the
uneasiness in Mattias. He remembered the same feeling when Jesus
had called him to be one of the Twelve, that,
in her action with Jesus on the beach, felt like
a lifetime ago. Peter was hardly the same person now.
All the terror he felt as a sinner standing before
(21:53):
the Lord had been washed away by the oceans of Jesus.
Love and acceptance. Being called into something greater than himself
was exactly what allowed Peter to let his old self
die and find new life with Christ. He knew Matthias
(22:13):
could have the same experience.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
It's good to have you here with us.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
In the wake of Jesus's ascension, the Disciples were left
with the daunting task replaced Judas, who had not only
betrayed Jesus but had also met a grim end in
the field ominously named Field of Blood. They weren't just
picking a new member for a social club. They were
selecting someone to join the inner circle of Apostles, a
role crucial for the formation of the Early Church. The
(22:43):
disciples method of choosing Matthias might seem unorthodox to us.
Casting lots essentially was rolling dice, but it offers profound
insights into their approach to decision making and their dependence
on God. They didn't merely acknowledge Jesus's words, which they
acted upon them. Their return and subsequent gathering in the
(23:03):
Upper Room underscore a critical principle. Obedience is not passive.
It's an active, intentional choice to align ourselves with God's commands,
even when the steps are a bit fuzzy and unclear.
We see a remarkable shift in the disciples dynamic as well.
These were the same individuals who had argued about who
would be the greatest and struggled with their own insecurities.
(23:25):
Yet post resurrection, they exhibit a unity that was previously
elusive to them. This unity wasn't about uniformity, but about
a shared purpose and a common mission. They were no
longer divided by their past differences, but united by their
common devotion to Jesus. This transformation highlights the power of
(23:46):
the resurrected Christ to bring about profound change in our
relationships and in our communities. If we all devote ourselves
to yield to Christ's spirit and to yield to his character,
We're going to find ourselves becoming close to those we
would have never been close to before. We also see
a really profound theme in this episode of prayer as
(24:06):
a foundation. The disciples devoted themselves to prayer and supplication.
This wasn't a prelude to a decision, It was the
foundation of their decision making process. Their prayers were marked
by desperation and earnestness, reflecting their reliance on God's guidance
rather than their own wisdom. This reliance on prayer reminds
us that while our plans may seem well thought out,
(24:27):
they should always be bathed in prayer, seeking God's direction
and will Ter's proposal to replace Judas with a new
apostle was also based on scripture. He quoted Psalms to
justify the need for a replacement, showing that even in
decision making, the early Church relied on God's word. This
reliance on scripture as a guide was crucial. It demonstrates
(24:48):
that decisions should not only be informed by our experiences
or our common sense, but should be anchored in the
truths of God's word. Now, some theologians debated on whether
Matthiah should have been chosen at all. Some people think
that it should have been Paul the apostle, and that
the apostles were being a bit impatient in this whole process. Now,
whether that's true or not, we do see the disciples
(25:10):
trying to find some sort of criterion process for choosing
a really important leader. The decision was ultimately made by
casting lots, a method that might seem outdated or even
random to us today. However, this act was a way
of deferring the final decision to God. Proverbs sixteen thirty
three tells us the lot is cast into the lap,
but it's every decision is from the Lord. Now, I
(25:33):
gotta give us a little bit of commentary here. What
this isn't saying is that when we're at a crossroads
in our life that we should just roll the dice.
That's not necessarily it. What it more underscores is that
a decision is sometimes better than no decision. You see,
the disciples decided that they were going to cast lots,
but the criteria by which they chose candidates was very
(25:56):
sound and based on scripture and based on the characters
of those individuals in their relationships to Jesus. You see,
many times we'll find ourselves at an impasse. We'll find
ourselves in a place of uncertainty, and just stepping in
a direction, knowing that God is going to have our
backs is better than in action. In closing, let's remember
(26:17):
that whether we're casting lots or making meticulous plans, the
essence of our decision making should be rooted in obedience, unity, prayer,
and scriptural guidance. Man, let's throw in a dose of
common sense there as well. We're going to trust in
God's sovereignty and the whole process, and as we navigate
our choices, let's do so with confidence that God is
guiding us, just as he guided the early Church and
(26:38):
their pivotal moments. Thanks again for joining us on the
Jesus Podcast. You already know what to do. Make sure
to follow us on all platforms, share it with a friend,
and please leave a review. We're ramping things up for
the eventual arrival of the promised Holy Spirit.
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and
election sure, for if you do these things, you will
never stumble. Second Peter one ten. Tavenly Father, we thank
you for the beautiful calling you have placed upon our
lives through Christ. We are humbled that you have chosen
us not because of our worthiness, but because of your
(00:23):
grace and love. Lord, We acknowledge our need for your
guidance as we seek to confirm our calling and election.
Grant us the wisdom and diligence to walk in a
manner worthy of this calling, that we may not stumble,
but stand firm in faith. Strengthen our hearts to pursue righteousness,
(00:47):
and let our lives be a reflection of your goodness.
Empower us to be a light in this world, faithfully
serving and glorifying your name in all that we do.
In Jesus precious name, we pray Amen. Thank you for
praying with me today. You are listening to the Jesus Podcast.
(01:09):
Remain here for another dramatized story inspired by the Book
of Acts and the birth of the Church. If this
podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow so you
never have to miss an episode. The scorching sun beat
down on Judas's neck, but the heat was of little
(01:31):
significance compared to the guilt that lay heavy on his shoulders.
Pulling his head towards the earth, a mixture of sweat
and tears poured from his face. He tried to hold
back the floodgates, firmly pressing his hands to his eyes,
with no noticeable effect. He struggled to catch his breath,
(01:52):
which only reflected his fruitless attempts to collect his own sanity.
He stood in the middle of the newly acquired potter's field,
meant as a burial place for foreigners. It had been
bought from the potter with the thirty pieces of silver
paid to Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. But purchasing
the field had cost Judas much more than a mere
(02:15):
bag of coins. He had forsaken and betrayed the man
he once called rabbi, the man who had called him
a friend and washed his feet with the humility of
a servant, the man that was going to free the world.
But despite Jesus's power to break judas chains, the fallen
(02:38):
disciple willingly bound himself in the shackles of his present shame.
He let out a cry birthed from his paniced state.
The yell echoed in judas ears, before disappearing into the
empty expanse of the sky. Judas looked up and called
out in anguish.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Lie, I have failed you. There's nothing that could ever
cover my sin. I don't deserve it in a second
of his life.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
I be cursted.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
As long as I live and breathe.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Judas slumped to his knees dragged his fingers through the
coars dirt. If he had only opened his heart, he
could have found the forgiveness Jesus had always offered. But
as was his nature, Judas was taking measures into his
own hands. Though judas betrayal paved the way for Jesus
(03:40):
to take on the sins of the world, Judas would
deal with his own sin and the way he felt
the most appropriate. He looked at the lone tree beside him.
Tied from the sturdiest branch was a rope undulating in
the breeze like a daunting serpent. Judas closed his eyes
(04:01):
and prepared for his last moments on earth.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing.
It's not your feet, it's your shoes this summer. Switch
to Gediphi shoes with patentive versoshock technology, which aligns your body,
provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gdiphi
offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics.
(04:31):
Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on
the go, Gdiphi shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your
fee crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled
support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit gdiphi
dot com and get twenty dollars off your order of
one hundred dollars or more with code prey. Experience the
(04:55):
miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi shoes. Visit g d
efy dot com today.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Imagine the scene. Jerusalem is buzzing with the aftermath of
Jesus's resurrection and ascension. The Disciples, now a bit disoriented
but filled with purpose, nonetheless, find themselves gathered in the
Upper Room on a mission to replace judas Is Scariot,
the betrayer. The tension is palpable, the stakes are high,
and the method they choose for this divine selection might
(05:30):
surprise you. Today we're going to dive into a story
inspired by Acts one twelve through twenty six and see
how the first century Church navigated a crucial decision with grace, unity,
and perhaps a touch of divine dice rolling. Welcome to
the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach Frompray dot com Stoke to
continue our new miniseries on the birth of the Church.
(05:51):
You already know what to do. Make sure to subscribe
to this podcast and follow on whatever platform you're listening
to leave a review and share with a friend. The
podcast space isn't easy. It's crowded and there's a lot
of content out there. We're really glad that you've decided
to sit with us here today.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
The tree ceased their stirring as the clouds shut around
the ascended Messiah. The disciples gathered at the foot of
the Mount of Olives, eyes locked on the two men
dressed in white. Before any of them could compose themselves
enough to utter a word, the two men disappeared from
in front of them with the same swiftness in which
(06:33):
they had arrived.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
So we all sold that men.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Right, We must have that, or we all ate the
wrong kind of berries for lunch.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
James John, this is no time for jokes.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Peter's mind was racing, feeling a self imposed pressure to
calculate their next moves. He knew they were trying to
break the tension and humor was their attempt to cope.
He wondered if his reprimand was simply a fall back
to his vain, glorious ways of living, or if these
were the moments where Jesus wanted Peter to be a
(07:16):
rock for the rest of the disciples. He defaulted to
reiterate jesus command, knowing that using their master's words as
guidance was the best way to lead in his absence.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Jesus told us, we need to wait in Jerusalem for
this spirit. We're not going to want to miss it
whenever it happens. If we start working now, we can
be there before nightfall.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
Peter's right, we might not know everything that's going on,
but we at least know where we need to be, Thomas.
Once we're in the city, can you find the women
and Jesus's family, Tell them to gather together in the
room we've been staying in. We'll figure out the plan
from there, of.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Course, Andrew, But how do you propose we figure out
a plan Jesus just said to wait, doesn't seem like
much to go off of.
Speaker 6 (08:08):
We'll find our answers the same way Jesus always did
when he was with us. We're going to pray.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
The disciples nodded in agreement. Andrew and Peter were right.
Nobody knew quite how this new system worked without Jesus.
Jesus had preached a kingdom of equals, eradicating pride and
hierarchies by saying the last would be first and the
first would be last, But they weren't sure how this
(08:36):
fit into leading the charge of carrying out jesus mission.
All they could do was abide by the words Jesus
had left them, then follow the model he set for
them during his time on earth. They hastily packed their
bags with what little belongings they had left and trod
along the road toward the Holy City. As they marched,
(08:59):
they wrestled with fear and doubts about what might happen next.
Each trip to Jerusalem over the years had come with
surprises and unexpected challenges. On two occasions, Jesus drove out
the money changers and flipped the merchant tables in the
temple courts. It was here that Jesus was nearly stoned,
(09:21):
and most recently, it was the place where they watched
jesus betrayal and crucifixion. Emotions ran high, his hope began
digging roots into the deep and dark areas of their hearts.
The journey ahead would be long, but faith only called
them to take one step at a time. Peter walked
(09:44):
at the front of the group. He glanced over his
shoulder at the rest of his friends. He could see
the same uncertainty in their faces that he felt in
his own mind. He closed his eyes and remembered the
teaching of Jesus on the mountain. Peter reiterated the words
to himself under his breath, as though Jesus was speaking
(10:07):
directly to him.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Don't worry, Peter, don't worry.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
The city streets were bursting with life as people casually
went about their daily lives, a stark contrast to how
the disciples were feeling.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Domas, we'll need you back at the house in one hour.
The rest of you take what money we have and
get some food and whatever other supplies we might need.
Andrew and you'll come with me for a second.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
The brother stepped aside as the rest of the disciples
dispersed into the crowds.
Speaker 6 (10:42):
How are you feeling, Peter. I can see you're taking
on a lot right now, and while I'm sure the
group appreciates any semblance of stability, I'd like to think
I can read you a little better.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Peter smiled at his older brother. Despite their ever changing
dynamics over the last three years, Andrew never seemed bothered
by Peter's elevated raw. His care for his brother was
a welcome source of comfort.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
I'm holding it together like the rest of us, but
I wonder to speak openly with you, if I'm being honest,
I don't know what it means to be the rock
on which Jesus builds his church. I don't want to
let him down. Ah, there's my baby brother.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Andrew class Peter's shoulder affectionately.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
If this one thing I've learned about being a disciple
of Jesus, it's that he expects us to stumble every
once in a while.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
The look on Peter's face showed that these words were
less than encouraging.
Speaker 6 (11:43):
But if there's anything we know about Jesus, it's that
he always gets us where we need to go take
a breath. Look around the world is still moving. Plus,
remember what he said, the gates of hell shall I'll
not prevail against his kingdom. All we can do is
(12:04):
pray and wait. You may be the rock, but he's
the one building the kingdom.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Peter hadn't realized he was holding his breath as his
brother spoke. He let out the air in his lungs
and with it all the anxiety that had built up.
Andrew's words were just what Peter needed to hear. He
was starting to accept that he didn't need to be
perfect or the best, He just needed to be obedient.
(12:34):
He pulled Andrew into a firm embrace. Thank you, brother.
The two sons of Jonah turned and took in the
view before them. Thousands of people filled the city with
a little clue as to what was being stirred up
in Jesus' wake. Back at the house, the disciples unloaded
their halls from the market. Thomas had arrived with several
(12:56):
of the women who had been Jesus followers a law
with Jesus mother and brothers. They had purposed in their
hearts to gather in this upper room and devote themselves
to prayer. Though they didn't know exactly what to ask,
they trusted God would give them the words to speak.
Determined to seek the face of God, they found seats
(13:19):
around the room and began to ask God for wisdom.
Their prayer gatherings went on for several days. After a
few hours of praying, on one particular day, the evening
had set in and the group huddled around several small
lamps burning on the table in the center of the room.
Despite only being a few short days since Jesus ascended
(13:41):
into heaven, some of the disciples began to feel restless.
They thought, surely there was some further action beyond prayer
they could take while they waited for the Lord's promise
to be fulfilled. Peter felt this most of all. He
had done his best to keep his impulsivity at bay,
(14:02):
knowing some of the unfortunate predicaments it had gotten him into.
Before he bounced his knee up and down. He studied
the marred wooden table as he mulled his thoughts over.
He had spent the last few days playing out different
scenarios in his head. Was this the time to share
his plan with the group? He hesitated before concluding to
(14:25):
keep his thoughts to himself, but even his best efforts
to center his mind on prayer couldn't placate the sensation
within him. Not know, he thought.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
But soon.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
The next day, followers of Jesus gathered in a clearing
in the corner of the market place. Over one hundred
and twenty men and women had heard about jesus resurrection
and eagerly sought.
Speaker 5 (14:50):
To know more.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
There, genuine belief in the power of Christ compelled them
to meet with one another. They eagerly away at the
guidance of jesus disciples. Peter, James, John, and Andrew stood
a few paces from the rest of the group.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
The people are getting about as restless as we are.
I mean, it's great to see that people believe in
Jesus as the Messiah, but what are we supposed to
do for them?
Speaker 5 (15:17):
Read's me, I'm having an odd enough time figuring out
how to deal with my own questions, let alone out
to answer all this. Well, Rock, do you have any
folks sort of matter.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Peter had been unusually reserved for most of the morning.
He couldn't escape his thoughts from the previous night. During
their time in prayer, he had spent most of the
night contemplating his plan, weighing the pros and cons. He
felt this was a defining moment, a chance to step
into the higher calling Jesus had given to them to
(15:52):
lead his followers. He met John's eyes.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
I've been thinking a lot since the amount of olives.
Not sure what will happen from here now, but I
do know. Did Jesus pick twelve of us for a reason?
And we'll need all the help we can get. Maybe
it's time we find a replacement for Judas. How can
you be sure that Jesus even wants us to fill
(16:16):
Judas's spot? As I prayed last night, I was reminded
of one of David's psalms. I'm going to trust it
was the Lord leading us.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Andrew beamed with pride for his brother. Peter learned the
tension between being a leader and submitting himself to the Lord.
James and John affirmed Peter's idea and encouraged him to
address the crowd. Peter turned and faced forward. The people's
murmuring slowly died away as they turned their attention towards Peter.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Brothers and sisters, because of your faith, you joined us
this morning to hear more about Jesus, who is Christ.
We know many of you have wondered why the Lord's
anointed one had to die on a cross, but it
was all done so that scripture could be fulfilled. Centuries ago,
(17:12):
the Holy Spirit spoke through David concerning our former colaborer Judas,
who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He
was one of our own and shared in the pains
and the joys of our ministry. For David wrote in
the Book of Psalms, may his place be deserted, let
(17:34):
there be no one to dwell in it, and may
another take his place of leadership. Therefore, in abiding by
the word of God, we must choose one to take
his place.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Someone shouted out from the center of the assembly.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
And how would this man be selected?
Speaker 1 (17:53):
A hint of interest could be heard in his voice
to a follower who hadn't experienced the persecution that came
with being one of jesus disciples during his earthly ministry.
This open position was equated with honor, respect, and authority.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
This role cannot be feeled by just anyone. We must
find a man who has been with us the whole time.
The Lord Jesus lived among us. One who has followed
Jesus from the beginning, since John's baptism to when Jesus
was taken up from us. For the Lord has called
us to be witnesses of his resurrection. If there is
(18:32):
anyone among you has been with us from the start,
please come forward.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Several small gaps formed in the crowd as the people
began talking amongst themselves. A few short moments later, two
men emerged from the people. The shorder of the two
was named Joseph, with the people often called Barsabas or Justice.
Though his broad shoulders gave him the stature of a
(18:57):
younger man, his age was exposed by his graying beard.
Next to him stood Matthias, a man no older than
the rest of the disciples. He had been no less
devoted to Jesus than the rest, but now he felt intimidated.
Standing before the gathering, he shifted his sandals on the
(19:19):
graveled promenade and watched the dust form into small mounds.
Barsabas was evidently the more confident of the two. Matthias
knew Barsabas and had seen how the community highly esteemed him.
His wisdom and life experience far surpassed his own. Surely
there was no competition here. Matthias questioned whether or not
(19:43):
he should even respond to the apostle's call. Peter's voice
engulfed matthias.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Inner monolog Brothers and sisters, we must seek the Lord's wisdom.
Let us lift up our eyes to the heavens. O, Lord,
you know everyone heart.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Matthias winced at the thought of the Lord knowing his
heart right now, he was ashamed of his current struggle
with doubt.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Show us which of these two you have chosen to
take over this Apostolic ministry? Which Judas left to go
where he belongs.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Peter removed a small satchel from his pocket. He emptied
several stones into his open palm. After a few shakes
and his closed fist, he tossed them to the stony walkway.
As they tumbled, Matthias prayed inwardly. He yearned for some
sense of peace, any sort of assurance that this was
(20:39):
where he was supposed to be. The stones found their
resting place. Peter knelt down to read the markings that
now faced up.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
My dear friends, the Lord has moved. It is with
great honor that I introduced to you the newest Apostle, Matthias.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Matthias's eyes went wide, his lungs paused mid breath. Had
he heard the apostle correctly? Had the Lord really chosen
him to be counted among the twelve? Impossible, he thought
to himself. But as the adrenaline subsided, Mattia's hearing returned
(21:18):
to him. As the sound of cheers and praises to
God were being lifted up by the believers, Peter bent
over to catch the new apostle's gaze.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Welcome, my brother.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
The young man looked up, sheepishly. Peter could sense the
uneasiness in Mattias. He remembered the same feeling when Jesus
had called him to be one of the Twelve, that,
in her action with Jesus on the beach, felt like
a lifetime ago. Peter was hardly the same person now.
All the terror he felt as a sinner standing before
(21:53):
the Lord had been washed away by the oceans of Jesus.
Love and acceptance. Being called into something greater than himself
was exactly what allowed Peter to let his old self
die and find new life with Christ. He knew Matthias
(22:13):
could have the same experience.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
It's good to have you here with us.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
In the wake of Jesus's ascension, the Disciples were left
with the daunting task replaced Judas, who had not only
betrayed Jesus but had also met a grim end in
the field ominously named Field of Blood. They weren't just
picking a new member for a social club. They were
selecting someone to join the inner circle of Apostles, a
role crucial for the formation of the Early Church. The
(22:43):
disciples method of choosing Matthias might seem unorthodox to us.
Casting lots essentially was rolling dice, but it offers profound
insights into their approach to decision making and their dependence
on God. They didn't merely acknowledge Jesus's words, which they
acted upon them. Their return and subsequent gathering in the
(23:03):
Upper Room underscore a critical principle. Obedience is not passive.
It's an active, intentional choice to align ourselves with God's commands,
even when the steps are a bit fuzzy and unclear.
We see a remarkable shift in the disciples dynamic as well.
These were the same individuals who had argued about who
would be the greatest and struggled with their own insecurities.
(23:25):
Yet post resurrection, they exhibit a unity that was previously
elusive to them. This unity wasn't about uniformity, but about
a shared purpose and a common mission. They were no
longer divided by their past differences, but united by their
common devotion to Jesus. This transformation highlights the power of
(23:46):
the resurrected Christ to bring about profound change in our
relationships and in our communities. If we all devote ourselves
to yield to Christ's spirit and to yield to his character,
We're going to find ourselves becoming close to those we
would have never been close to before. We also see
a really profound theme in this episode of prayer as
(24:06):
a foundation. The disciples devoted themselves to prayer and supplication.
This wasn't a prelude to a decision, It was the
foundation of their decision making process. Their prayers were marked
by desperation and earnestness, reflecting their reliance on God's guidance
rather than their own wisdom. This reliance on prayer reminds
us that while our plans may seem well thought out,
(24:27):
they should always be bathed in prayer, seeking God's direction
and will Ter's proposal to replace Judas with a new
apostle was also based on scripture. He quoted Psalms to
justify the need for a replacement, showing that even in
decision making, the early Church relied on God's word. This
reliance on scripture as a guide was crucial. It demonstrates
(24:48):
that decisions should not only be informed by our experiences
or our common sense, but should be anchored in the
truths of God's word. Now, some theologians debated on whether
Matthiah should have been chosen at all. Some people think
that it should have been Paul the apostle, and that
the apostles were being a bit impatient in this whole process. Now,
whether that's true or not, we do see the disciples
(25:10):
trying to find some sort of criterion process for choosing
a really important leader. The decision was ultimately made by
casting lots, a method that might seem outdated or even
random to us today. However, this act was a way
of deferring the final decision to God. Proverbs sixteen thirty
three tells us the lot is cast into the lap,
but it's every decision is from the Lord. Now, I
(25:33):
gotta give us a little bit of commentary here. What
this isn't saying is that when we're at a crossroads
in our life that we should just roll the dice.
That's not necessarily it. What it more underscores is that
a decision is sometimes better than no decision. You see,
the disciples decided that they were going to cast lots,
but the criteria by which they chose candidates was very
(25:56):
sound and based on scripture and based on the characters
of those individuals in their relationships to Jesus. You see,
many times we'll find ourselves at an impasse. We'll find
ourselves in a place of uncertainty, and just stepping in
a direction, knowing that God is going to have our
backs is better than in action. In closing, let's remember
(26:17):
that whether we're casting lots or making meticulous plans, the
essence of our decision making should be rooted in obedience, unity, prayer,
and scriptural guidance. Man, let's throw in a dose of
common sense there as well. We're going to trust in
God's sovereignty and the whole process, and as we navigate
our choices, let's do so with confidence that God is
guiding us, just as he guided the early Church and
(26:38):
their pivotal moments. Thanks again for joining us on the
Jesus Podcast. You already know what to do. Make sure
to follow us on all platforms, share it with a friend,
and please leave a review. We're ramping things up for
the eventual arrival of the promised Holy Spirit.
Host
Zak Shellabarger
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