Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Jesus, You Once Called Disciples
IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D ("There's a Wideness in God's Mercy)
Jesus, you once called disciples, choosing twelve to follow you:
Simon (also known as Peter), Andrew and Bartholomew,
Philip, Thomas, James and Matthew, Simon, Thaddaeus,
John, and James —
Then there was the one called Judas. These were your disciples' names.
Women, too, were your disciples, sitting, learning, at your feet.
Mary knew your word was precious, even more than food to eat.
Martha trusted in your power when her brother Laz'rus died.
Women shared your journey, Lord, and stayed when you were crucified.
Lord, so many heard and followed, like the woman at the well.
Meeting you, the living water, she sought others she could tell.
Like the boy with loaves and fishes, like Zacchaeus in the tree,
Many gladly heard your message; many shared your ministry.
Jesus, still you call your people, "Come and follow me today!"
Some, like Paul, feel sudden wonder; some are brought up in your way.
Lord, no matter how we meet you, by your Spirit, make us new.
May we know your living presence; may we daily follow you.
Hymn Note for "Jesus, You Once Called Disciples"
The lists of disciples found in the gospels are slightly different from each other. This hymn begins with the listing of twelve disciples which is found in Matthew. The four gospels together give a complete picture of Jesus calling not only the twelve, but also women, other men, and children. The line "some are brought up in your way" is a reference to 2 Timothy 1:5 where Timothy is described as one raised in the faith by his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice who are the ones who pass on the faith to their family. This hymn was published originally in The Presbyterian Outlook magazine and is in Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Upper Room Books, 2009).
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