After walking with Jesus for a long time—listening to His teaching, witnessing His ministry, and seeing how He served the crowds—the time came for Jesus to give them responsibility. Matthew says Jesus called His twelve disciples and gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal every disease and sickness. Note the order. Jesus called before He sent. They were not first required to prove they were capable and then called. Jesus called them, then equipped them, and then involved them in His work. This is an important truth about the life of a disciple of Christ: God not only saves us to enjoy salvation, but also calls us to take part in His work.
The disciples were ordinary people. From a human perspective, they were not a perfectly formed group. Among them was Peter, who later denied Jesus; Thomas, who once doubted; and Judas Iscariot, who ultimately betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus still called them. This shows that ministry is not primarily about who we are, but about who calls us. Often, we have reasons not to get involved in God’s work: “I’m not good at speaking.” “I have no experience.” “I’m not a pastor.” “I still have many weaknesses.” “There are others who are more capable.” All those reasons may be true in human terms. But God’s calling is never based solely on human perfection. God calls those who are willing to be shaped and used by Him.
What’s more, Jesus gave the disciples authority to carry out the tasks entrusted to them. That means when God gives a calling, he also provides the help needed to carry it out. They did not go in their own name. They went as people carrying Jesus’ authority. Here we must distinguish between doing God’s work and doing work for God by our own strength. Someone can be very busy serving, yet no longer dependent on God. They work, organize, speak, lead, and accomplish much, but slowly begin to feel that ministry success rests on their own ability.
Christian ministry never begins with human ability. Ministry begins with Christ’s calling and continues in the power Christ gives. Therefore, the important question for us is not only, “What can I do for God?” but also, “Do I recognize that my life has been called to be part of God’s work?” At home, we become God’s co-workers when we raise children in truth. At work, we are God’s co-workers when we bring integrity, love, and a Christlike witness. In the church, we are God’s co-workers when we serve not for position but to build up the body of Christ. Even in a simple encounter with someone who is hurting, we can be God’s instruments of comfort.
Being God’s co-worker does not mean we are equal with God. On the contrary, we are instruments in his hand. God remains the One who works; we are given grace to take part in that work. So don’t be overly concerned about whether you are impressive enough for God to use. Better to ask, “Am I willing to be called, shaped, and used by God?” For God is not seeking people who think they can do everything. God is seeking those who will say, “Lord, use my life.” The calling is an honor. We, who are truly unworthy, are allowed to participate in the work of God’s Kingdom.