What were Jesus' criteria?

Today’s gospel from Luke 6:12-19 is about Jesus “calling” his twelve apostles. This is such a motley and unlikely bunch of characters that it set me wondering what were Jesus’ criteria. I mean they were a group who were hardly likely to become the founding group of a major international religious organisation that has lasted, to date, for two thousand years. Mind you, at least some of them thought they would assume important positions alongside Jesus as he set about establishing a powerful kingdom. They certainly weren’t expecting their Lord or Master to be crucified. That was why Jesus constantly struggled to explain to them that the greatest in his kingdom would be the least. Still, for all their shortcomings and wrong expectations, Jesus chose them. So, let’s get back to the criteria. First of all, self-sacrifice. They had to be willing to give up all to follow him. It must have been very tough on their families. Secondly, faith. They had to believe in Jesus, even if it took time for them to come to a proper understanding of what Jesus was on about. Still, they did witness the remarkable miracles that Jesus performed and listened to his stirring words as he taught crowds of people. Thirdly, humility. Like Peter, the others also had to realise that it wasn’t because of their saintliness that Jesus chose them. Jesus could probably see that they had the ability to also attract and convince people that God’s Reign was not just an idea but also a way of living that had the potential to change the world. Fourthly, courage. As Jesus asked James and John, “Are you willing to be baptised with the baptism with which I will be baptised?” They could not have fully understood the implications of following Jesus. But they must have been aware that there were serious risks involved. This was a very human venture; it relied upon very human people. I still wonder why women were not chosen. The cultural factors that are said to militate against choosing women – male-dominated culture and society - are not all that convincing. Admittedly there were women who played a significant part the wider group of disciples. But I also can’t help thinking, if this is our foundation, then there’s hope for all of us. These great people didn’t always live up to expectations. Imagine the pain in Jesus’ eyes as he looked at Peter during his trial. We follow in a great line of very ordinary people who went on to do extraordinary things. One other thing, though, we still often forget that the principal criteria is: the greatest is the least. Do we really believe that? This is another thing I wonder about!