LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JACOB #94

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3595

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JACOB #94

12 TRIBES, 12 DISCIPLES

As we conclude this series on the 12 tribes, it is good to note that Jesus started His ministry with 12 disciples.

By choosing 12 disciples, Jesus signaled He was raising up a new people to displace the nation that would reject Him and His gospel message.

He told His disciples, " I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon His glorious throne, you who have been My followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" ( Mat.19:28 ).

In so many words, the disciples will be the leaders of the true remnant of God's people, who by embracing Jesus would bring judgment to all who had the advantages of the promises of God and yet rejected His Son.

Those represented by the 12 tribes and 12 apostles unite in the church.

In Revelation John saw the New Jerusalem, the holy city that comes down from heaven.

1. With 12 gates

2. With 12 names of the tribes of Israel written on them

3. With the "names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb " inscribed on the foundations.

What is the meaning of such inscriptions?

1. The names of the 12 tribes show the Old Testament saints that the heavenly city is the true Israel, exceeding in glory and splendor that their prophets glimpsed.

2. The 12 names of the apostles stand as witnesses of the saving work of Jesus Christ that provides the foundation to the city where God's people will live forever.

Indeed our eternal home will be populated by the true Israel - the people of God who come from the 12 tribes and those taught by the 12 apostles.

This is the glorious remnant in both the Old and New Testament eras who responded to God by faith and whose spiritual origin rests exclusively in God's grace.

This is the foundation of our lives now and the eternal life to come - forever in Christ.