#58 Ministers of Jesus Must be Called of God

#58 Ministers of Jesus Must be Called of God

Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62

Jesus and his disciples are preparing to leave the area. It has been a long day of crowds of people approving, challenging, and criticizing his teachings. He has now begun teaching in parables.  His audience is well-familiar with this style but they have not heard it from him before, and so there are even more questions. Much healing has been done, and learning within his small band of chosen disciples. All are tired.

The scriptures include three individuals coming to talk to Jesus about joining and going with him. We do not know the timing of these meetings. Jesus uses them as teaching situations to show the worldly sacrifice that is required and what must first be considered when one makes such a commitment to Him.

Apostle James E. Talmage:

While Jesus and his disciples are making ready the boat to cross the lake a certain scribe came to him and said, “Master, I will follow thee withersoever thou goest.” Few men of the titled or ruling class offered so openly to align themselves with Jesus. Official recognition by a scribe, one of standing and importance in the community, would appear to be an asset to their labors.   Jesus knows the hearts and minds of us all. He does the choosing and accepting. “In this instance, Christ knew the character of the man, and, without wounding his feelings by curt rejection, pointed out the sacrifice required of one who would follow whithersoever the Lord went, saying: ‘the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.’” We do not read that the aspiring scribe pressed his offer.

“Another man indicated his willingness to follow the Lord, but asked first for time to go and bury his father; to him Jesus said: ‘Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.’ Some have felt that this injunction was harsh. While it would be manifestly unfilial for a son to absent himself from his father’s funeral under ordinary conditions, nevertheless, if that son had been set apart to service of importance transcending all personal or family obligations, his ministerial duty would of right take precedence. The requirement expressed by Jesus was no greater than that made of every priest during his term of active service, nor was it more afflicting than the obligation of the Nazarite vow, under which many voluntarily placed themselves. The duties of ministry in the kingdom pertained to spiritual life; one dedicated thereto might well allow those who were negligent of spiritual things, and figuratively speaking, spiritually dead, to bury their dead.

“A third instance is presented; a man who wanted to be a disciple of the Lord asked that, before entering upon his duties, he be permitted to go home and bid farewell to his family and friends.   The reply of Jesus has become an aphorism in life and literature: ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

                                                                                         

It is good to remember that during his three - year ministry one of the important, or even the most important thing, our Savior had to accomplish was to prepare the Twelve Apostles to continue leading the church after he leaves the earth. All these things they will need to know and do in his absence.

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie:

“Men do not choose to be ministers of Christ; rather he selects whom he will to represent him. ‘Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,’ is the way he later explained this doctrine to the Twelve. When men are called of God by the spirit of revelation, called in the omnipotent wisdom of him who knoweth all things, those calls take precedence over all conflicting interests. Missionaries so sent forth habitually forsake all personal and family obligations. Loved ones may pass away, but missionaries remain at their posts, preaching the kingdom of God.” 

Glenn R. McGettigan

March 2019

References

“Jesus the Christ.” Talmage

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.” Volume 1. McConkie

“The Mortal Messiah.” Volume 2. McConkie

“Scriptural Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.” Smith