Mark 3:13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons (ESV)
During the first year of Jesus’ ministry many crowds followed Him. Many of the people followed Him because they needed something from Jesus, some needed healing, casting out a demon and others followed Him because they wanted to hear what He was teaching. Among the hundreds of people, maybe even thousands of people in the crowd, Jesus chose only twelve men to follow Him. This is the interesting part: He chose them so they would be with Him always.
Think of your conversion. When you surrendered your life to Jesus. He chose you to listen to the Gospel and chose you for salvation. He chose you so that you will be with Him always! Not only in this world, but also, so that you can be with Him in heaven. Out of the billions of people in the world, He chose you to receive His message, and you were ready to receive it. Think of the people who listen to the same gospel and don’t surrender their hearts, maybe because they want something from Jesus. The real disciples want Jesus. Since He chose us to be with Him, let’s walk this life unashamed that we know Him.