"Little" But Significant

Pete Kersker - Jan 23, 2026

We've been taking a look at what the disciples (students) did while they were waiting for Jesus to send the Holy Spirit. There were 120 of them together when they let the Lord lead them to replace Judas Iscariot with Matthias. This led us to start paying attention to the "little things" rather than just the "big things" we can learn from the Scriptures.

When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables (Mark 4:10 NIV).

Matthias, for example, was probably there many of the times when we focus on the original Twelve (including Judas Iscariot) being in the room. Matthias, then, would have learned the meaning of Jesus' parables, as seen in the Scripture above. Matthias, although not named specifically, may have been a part of the seventy (two) Jesus sent out two by two.

You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:28-30 NIV).

Matthias was probably present when Jesus promised twelve of them that they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (In other words, Jesus wasn't talking to Judas Iscariot when he said that. He was talking to Mathias as the twelfth. They just didn't know it yet.) Matthias wasn't the only one who would have been there. Barsabbas, the one the Lord did not choose, would also have been there. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been a qualified candidate.

Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3 NIV).

Matthias and Barsabbas aren't the only ones who were there much more than we recognize. The women whom Jesus healed and taught are so often overlooked. They followed him, too. They learned from him as well. They even supported his ministry financially. (Look at the passage above.)

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19-20 NIV).

There are many "little" people in the Scriptures: those who do not have many, or any, words written specifically about them. They were significant to Jesus, though. He went to the cross to bring them home to the LORD. All of them did "little" things as well: like going to get a donkey, preparing a meal, or having a conversation. Those things were also significant to Jesus.

Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me" (Luke 22:34 NIV).

None of us is "little" in the eyes of Jesus. All of us are significant. None of our words or actions are "little," either. That's because everything we say and everything we do reflects what we believe about ourselves, others, and the LORD. All the "little" decisions we make are significant in the eyes of Jesus. So, let's make those decisions being led by our Lord.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built" (Luke 6:46-48 NIV).