Put Me In Coach

Field Note: The Gospel According to a Benchwarmer

Ever felt like the one left on the bench? Not the first one picked, but still quietly part of the team?

That's a little like our friend Matthias.

Think about those first followers of Jesus.

Peter, James, John.

The inner circle.

But when one of them walked away, leaving a wound and a vacancy, the early Church knew something had to be done. They gathered, almost assuredly unsure, and looked to those who had walked with Jesus from the beginning. Two names came forward. And then, in a moment of trust, they cast lots. A way of saying, "God, You know our hearts. You choose."

And the lot fell on Matthias.

Isn't that just like God? Sometimes, the path forward isn't crystal clear, but He still leads. Matthias, who hadn't been part of the original twelve, was now shoulder-to-shoulder with the apostles.

Entrusted with a divine assignment.

It's easy to overlook Matthias. Ask a group of kids to name the apostles, and you'll likely hear Peter, John, or even Paul. (I know. Paul wasn't even one of the twelve, but a powerhouse missionary nonetheless!) But Matthias? He was there before Paul. He had been there: from the start of Jesus' ministry, through the miracles and parables, and all the way up to the ascension. When Pentecost came, and the Spirit filled the room like fire and wind, Matthias was among them.

And yet, Matthias often fades into the footnotes of our faith stories. He wasn't front-and-centre. But he was faithful.

Peter and Paul are unmissable. Standing as icons for both Jews and Gentiles. But Matthias? Tradition tells us he, too, shared the message across both cultural lines. He's often pictured holding a book and a sword, a symbol of truth and courage in the face of persecution.

Here's what Acts tells us:

Peter stood up and reminded the believers that Scripture had spoken about Judas' betrayal and that someone who had been with them from the beginning to the "end." From Jesus' baptism to His resurrection...should take his place. Two men were proposed: Joseph, also known as Barsabbas, and Matthias. Then came the prayer:

"Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen…"

And Matthias was chosen.

While Scripture doesn't give us much about Matthias beyond the book of Acts, early Church stories offer a few intriguing possibilities. Tradition whispers he might have been from Bethlehem, of Judah, and even learned from Simeon. The same Simeon who held the infant Jesus. Intriguingly, some see him as already serving Jesus as one of the seventy disciples before his call to apostleship. And in a fascinating twist, a few early accounts even link him to Zacchaeus, the transformed tax collector. Perhaps his encounter with Jesus led to a new name and a new calling.

Even the ancient Church calendar hints at this transformation, placing Zacchaeus's story of repentance before Lent and Matthias's calling on Bright Monday, a symbol of new beginnings. It's a subtle but powerful connection.

After Pentecost, Matthias and the others were sent out to preach and teach. Tradition holds that he preached in Judea and ventured further afield, possibly to Ethiopia, where legends describe violent opposition from deeply isolated communities. It's not Scripture, but these stories reflect the spiritual courage that surrounded the memory of his ministry.

Eventually, Matthias returned to Galilee, still proclaiming the truth. But like so many early disciples, his boldness conflicted with the day's powers. He was brought before the High Priest Annas, the same one who had condemned other followers of Christ. According to several ancient accounts, he was stoned and then beheaded for his faith.

His life was not a footnote. It was a fulfilment.

He wasn't the first pick. But he was faithful.

So what about us?

We might not all be called apostles. We might not be part of the "inner circle." We might feel overlooked or unnamed in the public eye.

But we are in good company.

There is a place for everyone in His Kingdom.

Let's learn from Matthias' quiet faithfulness. His willingness to step in when needed, bear witness, and be part of the story. Because in God's eyes, every single one of us matters.

Every single one of us has a vital role to play.

Maybe this week is your Matthias moment.

Quiet, faithful, chosen.

Bench players still change the game.