Twelve Names, One Mission: Called by Jesus, Sent to the World

July 9, 2025 - Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10:1-7

Up until now, Jesus has been doing everything Himself—healing the sick, teaching the crowds, casting out demons. But now, something shifts. Jesus begins to share His mission. He chooses twelve followers and sends them out. It’s the beginning of a story that will stretch across continents and centuries—starting with twelve names.

But this first mission isn’t yet global. It’s focused: “Go to the lost sheep of Israel,” Jesus tells them. This is a training ground for what will come after Easter—a mission to the whole world. Luke tells us that this decision didn’t come lightly. Jesus spent the whole night in prayer before choosing the Twelve (Luke 6:12–16).

The Word “Apostle”

The word apostle means “one who is sent.” It comes from the Greek word apostello. Jesus Himself is called “the apostle” in the Letter to the Hebrews (3:1). Others beyond the Twelve also carry this title: Paul and Barnabas, Andronicus and Junia, even Epaphroditus.

But these Twelve are unique. Their number echoes the twelve tribes of Israel. The people of God had long hoped that one day, all the scattered tribes would be gathered again. By calling the Twelve, Jesus was saying: That day has come. God is doing something new.

They are the foundation stones of the New People of God. The Book of Revelation says: “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev 21:14).

Let’s take a closer look at their names. Each one tells a story.

Simon, who is called Peter

Simon means “he has heard.” He heard about Jesus from his brother Andrew and came to meet Him. Jesus gave him a new name—Peter, which means “rock.” The man who listened would become the rock on which Christ would build His Church.

What have you heard lately? And how is God shaping you into something new?

Andrew, his brother

Andrew means “manly”—fitting for someone who left everything behind to follow Jesus and then brought his own brother to the Lord. He would go on to die for Christ.

Sometimes the quietest ones are the boldest. Who are you quietly bringing to Jesus?

James, the son of Zebedee

James is a form of Jacob, which means “may God protect.” He was the first apostle to die for the faith. Like his namesake, he journeyed far and trusted deeply.

Are you willing to walk the hard road if Jesus leads the way?

John, his brother

John means “grace of God.” He’s called the beloved disciple, and his Gospel is soaked in that word: grace. He reminds us that at the heart of faith is a gift, not an achievement.

Can you recognize God’s grace in your life today?

Philip

Early Church writers saw his name as meaning “mouth of a lamp.” Philip heard the call and immediately ran to tell Nathanael. His words lit the way.

When truth lights up your life, who do you run to first?

Bartholomew (possibly Nathanael)

Some say he was Philip’s brother. His name may mean “son of him who raises water.” Jesus promised him a vision of heaven opened wide.

Faith lifts us higher. What’s raising your eyes today?

Thomas

His name means “twin,” but some ancient reflections also call him “the abyss”—a man who fell deep into doubt and then soared into faith. “My Lord and my God,” he cried.

Doubt isn’t the enemy. It might just be the tunnel to deeper faith.

Matthew

Matthew means “gift of God.” He was a tax collector—a man despised. But Jesus called him. In this Gospel, Matthew reminds us of where he came from and what grace looks like.

You are not your past. What would you call yourself if God named you?

James, son of Alphaeus

He may have been Jesus’ cousin, called the brother of the Lord. He appears quietly in the story, but tradition holds that he led the Church in Jerusalem.

You don’t need to be loud to lead. Quiet faith can move mountains.

Thaddeus (also called Judas, son of James)

This Judas didn’t betray Jesus. Instead, he confessed Him. Same name—very different legacy.

Your name doesn’t define you. Your choices do.

Simon the Zealot

Possibly a former revolutionary, ready to fight the Romans. But Jesus offered a better way. Simon put down the sword and took up the Gospel.

What swords do we need to lay down for peace?

Judas Iscariot

His name meant “God is praised.” But his life ended in betrayal. He was chosen—and still got lost.

A warning to us all: closeness to Jesus is no substitute for love of Jesus.

A Closing Thought

They were fishermen and tax collectors. Doubters and zealots. Brothers and strangers. And yet Jesus called them all—by name.

He still does.

Which name speaks to you today? What part of their story mirrors your own?

Because in every generation, Jesus still calls. He still sends.

And maybe—just maybe—He’s calling your name, too.