The Twelve: St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

Identity: Before we start to talk about the meaning of the name and life story, we need to identify who he really was. Modern scholarship (especially secular) make a big deal out of “confusion” with three lists of the apostles we have in the Gospels of Matthew (10:1-4), Mark (3:16-19), and Luke (6:13-16). Luke gives one more list in the Book of Acts (1:13). While Matthew and Mark talk about Thaddaeus, Luke mentions Judas the son of James in both of his books. Along with this John mentions Judas (not the Iscariot) as a part of the fellowship at the Last Supper (John 14:22). We also have the Letter of Jude – the last of the 7 General or Catholic Epistles. Therefore, if we believe that the Apostles and Gospel writers knew what they were talking about. We just need to assume that Judas, Jude, and Thaddaeus is the same person. This should not surprise us for we have multiple instances of people having more than one name – Simon being also called Peter would be a parade example.

Meaning of the name(s). Let us start with Thaddaeus. Depending on the origins it can mean “courageous heart” (if derived from Aramaic), or “gift of God” (if derived from Greek).

Judas – Greek form of Hebrew name Judah – means “praise the LORD.” It was the name of the fourth son of Jacob by Leah (Genesis 29:35). As you might remember Leah and Rachel got into to a racing competition for the love of their husband. Bible simply states that Jacob loved Rachel – it was the love from the first sight, and he was ready to serve seven years for her (Genesis 29:20). Leah was trying to gain Jacob's love by bearing him sons. First came Reuben, then Simon, then Levi – every time she hoped and hoped... Then Judah was born, and she praised the LORD. She finally can to the ultimate type of relationship – relationship with God. She stopped bearing.

Story: Part of the Twelve. We don't have many stories for Judas (Jude), but the fact that Lord Jesus Christ selected him to be one of the Twelve means something. What were the criteria? Apart from personal assessment of Jesus, St. Luke left us the list of features the apostles paid attention to when they replaced the traitor. In the first chapter of the Book of Acts the apostles are looking for someone else to be “on the team.” Let's see what they considered right to be qualified. There are two basic conditions: (1) be with the group from the very beginning (from the baptism of/by John [Baptizer]) (2) until the day of Jesus's ascension. Covering the time-span of the ministry of Jesus. But within this the apostle should be a witness of resurrection. For sure, when Jesus selected the Twelve, they didn't have the resurrection yet. But what we can certainly know is he was with the disciples from the time of Jesus being baptized by John. This means that he heard the voice from heaven: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I'm well pleased (Mark 1:10-11).

Conversation at the Last Supper. We also see Judas as an active participant at the Last Supper (John 14:22). It is very interesting that Judas listens very carefully, takes his time to process a very rich “spiritual food” of Jesus' sermon, and then asks the question. His question related to what the Lord said a couple sentences prior. But he didn't want to leave it alone, having “I'll ask later” attitude. And Jesus response to his question, taking him very seriously. The distinction between the disciples and the world is maintained by faith through the reception of the word, the word that came through the Son from the Father. When the disciples will receive the word and follow Jesus' commands, the love of Jesus will be manifested among the disciples – that's how the world will know about the Savior (John 13:34-35). This was the driving force for Jude's ministry – be it writing his Letter or preaching of the Gospel to unknown lands (Armenia included).

The Letter of Jude was written around 60AD. The apostle encourages the church not giving in to the evils of the world as it tries to penetrate the church and corrupt the church from within. But imminent judgment on the ungodly IS coming. Though it looks like the wicked prevail (at times and places), there is a greater judgment that is ultimately coming to the world (cp. Ps. 73).

As long as the Church is present on earth, the forces of evil will attack her from the outside and try their best to penetrate corrupting from the inside. The Letter of Jude is very helpful with the identification of these attempts, encouraging the “beloved” to hold fast to faith once delivered to the saints. Also, regardless of the difficulty and severity of the spiritual and life combat, we eagerly await the Second Coming of Christ which will complete the ultimate deliverance.

Tradition: Commemoration date for Jude and Simon (the Zealot, we'll talk about him next week) is October 28. Traditionally, the symbols for St. Jude is ship – for traveled extensively – or a spear – reflecting of the record of St. Michael's spiritual engagement with the devil.

Prayer: Almighty God, You chose Your servants Simon and Jude to be numbered among the glorious company of the apostles. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Twelve: St. Thomas

St. Thomas

Meaning of the name: St. Thomas' name comes from the Greek Thomas, which comes from similar sounding Aramaic word meaning Twin. Apart from the list of the Twelve, he is mentioned four times as an actor – only in the Gospel of John. Three of out four times John add “twin” to his name. What it is? A translation of his Aramaic name? Or a description of his friendship with Matthew (they are listed together in all the lists on the 12). Or, as some suggest, as duplicity of his character? Did he ever had a twin brother? There are many things in the Bible that we might have find the answers only when we see the communion of the Saints in heaven. So far, the real answer is we don't know – it is the answer we should not be ashamed of. People who believe that they know THE ANSWERS – they just didn't study long and thorough enough.

Life story: We don't know how Jesus found Thomas. We meet him the first time as a member of the Twelve – so, at the very beginning, it looks like a name in the list. Therefore, we can safely assume that he went with a partner to the mission trip (two by two), being successful (Mark 6:12-13, 30-31; if he would fail the mission, either Mark or another Gospel writer would've notice that). As stated above – we have four stories that involve Thomas as an actor. Let us go through them, one by one.

Lazarus resurrection story. Thomas is the guy who, after a period of hesitation experienced by all the disciples, encourages other to join Jesus and go back to Judea. He is ready to die with Jesus. There is a reason for such a strong statement. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are full of moments when the hostility level was about to overflow (8:59, 9:22, 10:31, 39). The Jewish authorities were ready to stone Jesus, arrest Him (I guess to be delivered to Romans), and to put out of synagogal community those who followed Him. In this context we should not be surprised that the first response of disciples to Jesus invitation “let US go...” was not taken enthusiastically (John 11:7-8). And after a small exhortation (John 11:9-15), Thomas is ready to go. He is ready to join Jesus (note that first Christ says “I am going (v.11), while concluding with an invitation to all of them (v. 15). In The Lutheran Service Book there is a hymn “Let us ever walk with Jesus” (LSB, 685) Stanza 3 goes like this:

Let us gladly die with Jesus Since by death He conquered death

He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath

Let us mortify all passion that would lead us into sin

and the grave that shuts us in shall but prove the gate to heaven

Jesus, here with You I die; there to live with You on high

The last sermon. John 14 – 16 has the last sermon on Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper. He just began to comfort them in the light of upcoming separation, then Thomas fires the first question: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. And how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). It is a bold statement. But his question gives us the wonderful statement of Jesus's identity: I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The destination, the theology/teaching, and the lifestyle while we go toward heaven – all elements of our lives are here.

Doubting Thomas. This is the MAIN Thomas story – his stubbornness to accept the resurrection... Let's read slowly and carefully, and maybe we will learn something new. After the resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples. The doors are locked [for the fear of the Jews]. But (!) where is Thomas? What possessed him to step outside?? Again, I don't think we can have an answer for this question, but what is obvious is he was not afraid. Just like the trip to Lazarus' grave. So, we are coming back to his first quality – bravery. While he is gone, Jesus comes to the disciples. They “report” to Thomas about the Christ' visitation (maybe out of overwhelming joy or because he had some level of authority in the community). His response should not surprise us. What should surprise is a lack of response on the part of the disciples. Nobody tries to convince him – why? Because they know Thomas as a man of factual knowledge? Possibly. So, we are coming to his quality number two – deep thinking. Something like: “all things considered...” or “to get a full understanding he needed as much information as possible.” So, when Jesus returns He speaks directly to Thomas (John 20:27). the risen Lord does not confront him, but provides “the fullness of information,” in a similar way He did before the trip to Lazarus' tomb, or during the last sermon. Thomas' confession should be a confession of every godly Christian: my Lord and my God (John 20:28).

The last Biblical story is the fish and chips breakfast (John 21). We know this chapter as a story of reconciliation between Jesus and Peter. As Peter denied three times his association with the Galilean, Jesus at the shore of lake of Galilee asks him: do you love me? (John 21:15-17). Yet, John points out that there were others present at the event: Nathaniel [we talked about him earlier] and Thomas (John 21:2). When Peter jumps off the boat after seeing Jesus on the shore, the other disciples bring the boat back to the land. Reliable, thoughtful, and thankful – the features of the disciples who were present at the fish and chips breakfast. They apply to Thomas, to full extend.

Commemoration – December 21 (right before we SEE the newborn Jesus)

Prayer: Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthen Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Twelve: St. Philip

St. Philip

Meaning of the name: Philip is a Greek name. It comes from two words: phileo – “to love” or “to be fond of” or “to be friend of” (Philadelphia – Brotherly Love), and hippos – “horse.” Therefore, a person, who is fond of horses. The name got historical significance after Philip II – ruler of Macedon (northern part of modern Greece), father of Alexander the Great. I am not sure that the horse plays any role in the life of Philip, but the fact that he has Greek name (along with Andrew) will be an important fact duting the Triumphant Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

Life story: In all of the lists of apostles Philip always has 5^th place (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). First, the list has the triumvirate of Peter, James, and John. Then Andrew (we talked about him first, for he was called first). Then – always – Philip. Jesus picked the Twelve out of many disciples. Some have more stories – some have less, but each of them has a special place in the ranks of His followers.

Gospel of Mark: Last Week of Jesus

Last Days: from the Table to the Cross

Txt: Mark 14 – 15

Outline:

A. 14:1-11, Jesus is anointed for death and burial – two unexpected confessions

  B. 14:12-25, Passover Feast with the Disciples

    C. 14:26-31, Foretelling of Peter's denial

      D. 14:32-42, Prayer in Gethsemane

        E. 14:43-52, Arrest of Jesus

      D'. 14:53-65, Council

    C'. 14:66-72, Peter denied Jesus

  B'. 15:1-32, Passover Feast with Pilate, soldiers and robbers

A'. 15:33-47, Death and Burial of Jesus – two unlikely confessions

Comments: Like the last time we have a huge chunk of the Gospel to deal with – therefore, only basic thoughts...

Advent Readings: Luke 22

Luke 22

This is a famous chapter for the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus sits with His disciples; He knows it is the last night they can spend together before His “hour.” Most likely, they prepared a Passover seder and within the ceremony He takes the bread and redirects the attention from the past into the future. Exodus is still important for Him, apostles, and all believers, but Jesus builds up on the past and commands them to do it in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19).

The volumes and countless papers were written on the Holy Communion: the Words of Institution, the historical setting, Passover roots etc. What I want to point out is the fact that taking part in the Last Supper did not magically preserve the disciples from the fall. First, they begin to argue who is the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). Just think about it – Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave to them, everyone of them (Judas included, cp. John 13:12-30). Yet, devil trod the path into their hearts… I don’t know, did they compare the pieces or what… Somehow, they did not accept Godly equality, they wanted to build the structural pyramid.

It gets even better – Jesus warns Peter, whom He calls Simon, like in the very beginning of their relationships. And one would hope that Simon would be cautious and thankful. No way: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). And we know how it ends for him (Luke 22:54-62).

That’s why we do not believe in magic of Holy Communion – we confess the mystery of His presence in our life in, with, and under the Bread and the Wine. It’s not our acceptance makes it great, His forgiving presence leads to transformation. Being forgiven and restored after the Resurrection (John 21:15-19), St. Peter did endure both the prison and the death. Focusing on Jesus, and not on himself, the apostle was able to make great miracles, preach great sermons, and turn many to the Lord. 

PRAYER: Thanksgiving

PRAYER: Thanksgiving

Why do we need to talk about it?

Actually, it is un-natural to be thankful.

Or, in the beginning of creation thankfulness was a proper place – even God was “thankful.” Every day He acknowledged the achievements of every day with the statement “it is good” or, on the sixth day “it is very good.”