November 18 Why Three?

Luke 8:51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, Jesus did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother.
 
WHY did Jesus favor Peter, James and John to enter the house? Certainly the other disciples were with Jesus. Jesus also chose these three disciples to witness his Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2). Would this “inner circle” not cause some jealousy and division among the Twelve? We know James and John’s mother – Jesus’ aunt – believed her sons were destined for special Kingdom work. She sought Jesus’ favor for them in Matthew 20:21 “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” We also see this dispute among the Twelve in Mark 9:33-34 They came to Capernaum. When Jesus was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Perhaps you could call the disciples the Team of Rivals. Did such disputes occur because the Lord stirred jealousy and pride as he chose the three?
    Let’s remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. His leadership is perfect, and here we can see he was preparing Peter, James and John for unique leadership roles in the early church. Yes, all the disciples but Judas would become gospel apostles and evangelists. Most died under terrible persecutions against Christ. Their lives were fully committed to the gospel message.
   But God designed his church – and human government – to have leaders with unique skills and in special roles. Note the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
   We can understand Jesus chose the three “inner circle” disciples to witness this resurrection and Jesus’ Transfiguration to prepare them for the transfigured (to be made more beautiful, to be elevated) lives they are about to experience in Jesus’ own resurrection. Peter will be the first preacher of the church. He becomes a model pastor, who also is the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). James’ leadership role is to be a martyr (Acts 12). Yes, many are given the role to die for Christ, so the Spirit would ignite new life into the world.
   John would live a long life to point the church to Jesus’ eternal glory through his sure faith displayed in the gospel, epistles and Revelation. These three would witness Jesus’ resurrection and heavenly glory to the other disciples and to the world with their faithful words and work. What we can see in these apostles’ lives is that they became men of great humility and submission to their great callings for Christ.
   Sometimes we might feel special or prideful to say, “I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ.” But this eternal favor has been placed on you for God’s reason, not your good works, abilities, talents or intelligence. As Jesus appointed the three and the others, the Spirit today has appointed you to a very personal relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. This relationship requires a very humble response to say, “Here I am, Lord.” Are you so prepared to know and to live into your role?   
 
Prayer: Father, I am not worthy on my own to be Jesus’ disciple. In gratitude I accept my call. I rejoice to be in Jesus’ inner circle. Amen.