Leaders of the Impossible: The Training of the Twelve by Jesus
Jesus trained twelve leaders with the intent that, upon his resurrection, they would become the primary advocates for disseminating the mission of salvation. However, instructing these leaders proved challenging for various reasons. A prominent obstacle was the imperative to convince them of Jesus' authenticity as the Messiah. Despite the multitude of miracles performed by Jesus, dispelling the skepticism entrenched in their minds by societal authorities and prevailing philosophies posed a formidable challenge.
The philosophical underpinning of skepticism advocated for a perpetual state of doubt, asserting the impossibility of reaching a definitive conclusion regarding truth or specific knowledge, tracing its origins back to the 4th century BC. Another impediment arose from the influence of authorities who anticipated the Messiah's arrival as a political liberator, a prediction that did not materialize. This struggle is exemplified in the experiences of Peter, Thomas, and Philip. Peter, despite witnessing numerous events, faltered when the time came to assert his beliefs. Philip sought a direct encounter with the Father, prompting Jesus to respond, "I have been with you for so long, Philip, and yet you do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:8). Thomas, characterized by skepticism and weak faith, received the assurance from Jesus that "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
(John 20:29).
The transformative moment occurred when Jesus, having risen from the dead, appeared and bestowed the Holy Spirit upon them, granting them the capability to fulfill their roles in his physical absence. He breathed upon them, declaring, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" (Matthew 28:22). It is believed that this marked the confirmation of the twelve as leaders capable of achieving the seemingly impossible. The honorable conclusions to their respective lives serve as a testament to this confirmation.
Engaging in ministry solely relying on personal strengths would limit individuals to leadership within the realm of the possible. Leaders of the impossible, however, are those who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, relinquished self-confidence, and embraced a state of complete dependence on Jesus—the one who can accomplish the impossible. This aligns with Jesus' assertion, "Apart from me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
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