Sunday, October 22, 2017

Jesus' messengers: Sent out together (Part 1)

Jesus sent his followers to work in pairs. When we remember his apostles, we sometimes even remember them in pairs, especially those who were already brothers: Peter and Andrew, James and John. And those pairs were part of a larger group, the Twelve, and those together were leaders among all the disciples. I'd like to make a few quick observations about Jesus sending his apostles in pairs, and come back to some related observations in a separate post. Here are some ways in which we can see the wisdom of sending them out together:
  • Whenever two or more are gathered in his name, he is with us
  • In pairs, Jesus gives fellowship to the ones working together
  • In pairs, when they talk to still others, the conversation has a baseline of fellowship and peaceful accord already established
  • Working from a position of fellowship and strength will lead to a more open and relaxed approach, helpful in both tone and memory 
  • Each person is not alone: there is always someone to turn to if frustrated or discouraged, provoked, or unsure of the best approach: there is always another perspective, always counsel, always support
  • The witness of love and friendship is beyond the witness of words; there is the deeper message that this is about belonging, about not being abandoned, and not being alone
  • Christ's teachings and this practice both establish peaceful relations and ultimately work to establish peace in ever-widening circles; each link is a building-block of a larger community
It is easy to underestimate the value of working together.

2 comments:

Martin LaBar said...

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Weekend Fisher said...

Exactly. Thank you for adding that one, it definitely belongs!

Take care & God bless
Anne / WF