The “twelve” were important to Jesus and, hence, to the first followers of Jesus. When Judas was lost they thought it important to replace him and they sought candidates who had shared in the public ministry of Jesus “from the baptism of John” and was “a witness to the Resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Matthias was chosen, “by lot,” or we could say, by providence. I wonder how Justus felt? After all he was not personally rejected — it was the luck of the draw! The Bible doesn’t tell us but the fact that he had accompanied Jesus for three years suggests that even without having an “office” he still mattered — as do we all.
MAY142019
By Church Staff
