We all want to be chosen. We want someone to see our messy, ordinary lives and say, “You belong.” The story of the Twelve answers that longing — and complicates it. Jesus doesn’t pick a polished team; he picks fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, brothers, and even a betrayer. That mixture should make us breathe easier and sit up straighter at the same time.

In Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:13–19, and Luke 6:12–16 we get Jesus naming the Twelve. Matthew gives a list and later sends them out; Mark stresses that Jesus appointed them “to be with him and to send them out,” and Luke adds the striking detail that Jesus prayed all night before choosing them. The names overlap but appear in different orders and with small variations (Thaddaeus, Judas son of James, Lebbaeus appear in different Gospels). John doesn’t give us a formal “Twelve” list; his portrait is more episodic—so these synoptic lists are our main window into this moment.

This scene shows us something essential about Jesus and the Kingdom: leadership begins in relationship and dependence, not prestige. Jesus prays; then he chooses ordinary people and gives them a mission. That choice carries weight — he invites them into vulnerability, responsibility, and risk. Don’t miss that he includes Judas in the Twelve. The grace of the Gospel is shocking: God’s team is not a meritocracy. The challenge is also serious: being chosen means being sent and exposed, accountable and fallible. The Kingdom’s power comes through messy, obedient people who are with Jesus first.

Today, practice that rhythm. Before a decision at work or a hard conversation, take five minutes to pray and listen — follow Jesus’ pattern of prayer before appointment. Then make a simple, concrete move: write down three people God might be calling you to “be with” this week (a neighbor, a colleague, a family member). Send one brief message offering presence or help. Small acts of being-with are how the Kingdom spreads — and they remind us that being chosen is both gift and calling.