One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
God longs to be with us, and we are desperate for his wisdom, grace, and mercy.
When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Luke 6:13
A disciple is a follower, a student, one who is learning
An apostle is one who is raised up and sent out for a special reason
He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him to be healed of their diseases. Luke 6:17-18
There were 2 groups of people following Jesus, a large crowd of his disciples and a great number of people. His disciples were listening, learning, and obeying what he said. The great number of people were watching and listening from a distance, not to learn or obey.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Reflect
Jesus spent time praying before appointing apostles from among his disciples. How are you at slowing down to pray before moving forward or making a decision?
Would you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus or are you still watching and observing? If you are a disciple, when did you move from being and observer to a disciple? What has the difference been for you?
What does it mean to you to be the light of the world, a city set on a hill?