The Most Unlikely People

Every once in a while, someone will catch me off guard by doing the exact opposite of what I thought they might do. Jesus often did this when He walked the earth. In Mark chapter two, we see Him doing the opposite of what many in the religious circles of the day thought He should do. He was spending time with those who were most looked down upon. When He was questioned about it, He answered by saying, “These are the people who need me the most!” (my paraphrase of verse 17). As we read the Gospels we see that some of the “worst” later went on to become some of His best followers.

Qualifications are important to us. We want someone who is qualified to fix our cars, to work on our teeth and to repair our houses. Jesus wants people who are “qualified,” too, to join Him and become His followers. However, His qualifications seem to be the opposite of what we would expect. If we went out to choose people to build His kingdom, we would likely choose upstanding citizens. These would be people of good reputation, and ones who seem to have their acts together. Jesus tended to do the opposite.

Jesus chose those who needed “fixing,” those who were not well in others’ eyes. Why would He do such a thing? They were the ones who needed Him the most. Also, He would get the glory when they did great exploits for His kingdom. It would be obvious that they could not have done those things on their own. Paul referred to this truth in 2 Corinthians 4:7:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of

the power may be of God and not of us.”(NKJV)

Do you need “fixing?” Are you unlikely to be on America’s list of the top people most likely to succeed? If you answer, “Yes” to these questions, then you are a prime candidate for Jesus to do the unexpected through you. He only wants you to surrender to Him and allow Him to shine through you.

Lord Jesus, I see that you use some of the most unlikely people

to grow Your kingdom. I am broken and far from perfect;

I need You. Take me, make me whole and use me

for Your glory in whatever way You desire.

It is in Your name I pray, amen.