Calling and Purpose—Selected Examples from Scripture and Life—Part Two, New Testament

The themes of calling and purpose are significant ones that we see throughout Scripture. In this and several following posts, we’ll look at selected examples from the Bible—both Old (previous post) and New Testaments, as well as at some more contemporary called ones.

 Selected New Testament Scriptural Examples

 John the Baptist--Luke 1:11-17; Mark 1:1-8.                                 

·         Preaching.

·         Prophesying.

·         Preparing the way for the Messiah.

·         Becoming less as Jesus becomes greater.

Mary--Luke 1:26-38.

  • Be the mother of Jesus.

  • Become the mother of Jesus’ siblings.

  • Become one of Jesus’ disciples and entourage, “treasuring” all these things in her heart.

 Simon and Andrew;  James and John—Mark 1:16-20.

·         Follow Jesus.

·         Fish for people instead of fish.


The Twelve—Simon (Peter), James son of Zebedee, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot--Mark 3:13-19.

·         Appointed by Jesus.

·         To be with Him.

·         To be sent out to preach.

·         To have authority to drive out demons.


Levi--Mark 2:13-14.

  • Follow Jesus.

  • Fish for people instead of fish.

 

Peter--Matthew 16:17-20; John 21:15-19    .

·         On this rock Jesus said He would build His church.

·         Keys of the kingdom of heaven.

·         Revelation that Jesus is the Messiah—from the Father.

·         Feed Jesus’ lambs; Take care of Jesus’ sheep; Feed Jesus’ sheep.

·         To glorify God in his death.

           

Paul--Acts 21:17-19; Romans 1:1-5; Romans 15:15-20.

·         Ministry to the Gentiles.

·         An apostle.

·         Proclaiming the gospel of God.

·         Leadership.

·         Signs and wonders.

·         Missionary.

·         Preach the gospel where Christ was not known.

Lydia--Acts 16:11-15; 40.

·         Businesswoman.

·         Household influencer.

·         Hostess to Paul and companions.

·         House-church in her home.

 

Reflect:

What other examples does this list bring to mind?

 What implications for your own calling and purpose seem to be stirring?

With which of the above examples do you most resonate?  Why?

 Is this perhaps a clue as to your own calling and purpose? Describe:

 Seek out a coach, mentor, trusted advisor to help you discern next steps.

 Pray.

 [Continued in the next four posts with more contemporary examples.]

 

 Important resources:

 

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.

 

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis. 

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Shirley Giles Davis