Look at Where Jesus Went to Pick People
When you look at how Jesus built his team, it wasnât from the religious elite or the most educated. He went to the waterfront, the tax booth, and the fringes of society. That simple observation holds a powerful lesson for anyone who needs to build a team, find collaborators, or recognize hidden potential. This article explores what it means to âlook at where Jesus went to pick peopleâ and how that principle can reshape the way you approach talent, partnerships, and community in your own work and life.
What Does It Mean to Look at Where Jesus Went to Pick People?
The phrase refers to a pattern in the Gospels: Jesus deliberately chose disciples from ordinary, often overlooked backgrounds. Fishermen, a tax collector, a political zealot, and others who werenât among the religious or social elite. Instead of recruiting from the temple or the schools of scribes, he went where everyday life happened. The core idea is that value and potential arenât always found in credentials or statusâtheyâre often hiding in plain sight, in places most people ignore.
Where Jesus Went and Why It Matters
Consider the first disciples. Peter and Andrew were casting nets. James and John were mending theirs. Matthew was sitting at a tax collectorâs booth. None had formal training in theology or leadership. Yet Jesus saw something elseâwillingness, teachability, and a heart that could be shaped. He went to the workplace, the marketplace, and even the margins. For anyone building a business, a creative project, or a team today, that choice says a lot about where to look for talent.
The Waterfront as a Metaphor for Unpolished Talent
Fishermen weren't academics, but they knew how to work hard, collaborate, and endure long hours. When you look at where Jesus went to pick people, think about your own âwaterfront.â That could be someone without a fancy rĂ©sumĂ© who shows up consistently, learns fast, and genuinely cares about the mission. In a world obsessed with LinkedIn profiles and formal qualifications, this approach challenges you to look beyond the surface.
The Tax Collector as the Outsider
Tax collectors were despised. Matthew had a reputationâyet Jesus invited him. That teaches us to look past reputations. Maybe that freelancer with a rocky start, or the marketer who tried a few failed ventures, actually has the grit and insight you need. When you look at where Jesus went to pick people, you realize that past mistakes or unpopular roles donât disqualify someone from contributing something valuable.
Real-World Use Cases for Different Audiences
This isnât just a spiritual reflectionâitâs a practical framework. Hereâs how creators, entrepreneurs, educators, and others can apply it today.
For Entrepreneurs Building a Team
You might be tempted to hire from top-tier universities or competitor companies. But when you look at where Jesus went to pick people, consider recruiting from unexpected sources. The small-town barista who remembers every customerâs name might be your next customer success lead. The mechanic who runs a side podcast about your industry might bring more authentic energy than a polished MBA grad. Real outcomes come from people who are hungry to learn, not just those with prestigious backgrounds.
For Creators and Freelancers Finding Collaborators
As a creator, you need photographers, writers, or editors. Instead of only reaching out to established names, look at where Jesus went to pick peopleâscout for talent in online communities, niche forums, or even among your own commenters. That person who consistently leaves thoughtful feedback might have a hidden skill you need. Iâve seen podcasters invite listeners who turned out to be incredible co-hosts. The key is to stay open to surprising sources.
For Educators and Mentors
When you look at where Jesus went to pick people, it challenges the assumption that only âadvancedâ students are worth extra investment. The kid who struggles with tests but asks great questions on the sideâmaybe theyâre the next creative thinker. A teacher who uses this principle might create project groups that mix different backgrounds, not just top scores. The outcome is a richer learning environment where everyone feels valued.
For Marketers and Small Business Owners
Your customers are also people you âpickâ to serve. Instead of chasing the high-spending demographic, look at where Jesus went to pick peopleâmaybe your ideal customer isnât the one with the most money, but the one who is most responsive and loyal. A boutique coffee shop owner might focus on the regular who walks dogs past the door every morning, not the tourist rushing by. That regular becomes a brand ambassador. The same applies to hiring: the best employee might come from a referral from a part-time staffer.
Scenarios That Show the Principle in Action
Picture this: You run a digital agency. Youâve advertised for a project manager and received dozens of applications from overqualified candidates. But you remember to look at where Jesus went to pick people. You notice an intern who organized your files during a busy quarterâwithout being asked. That intern doesnât have a fancy degree, but they have initiative. Offer them a path, and you might get a loyal, sharp project manager who knows your systems inside out.
Another scenario: Youâre a blogger building a community. Instead of only interviewing well-known experts, you invite a local librarian who runs a tiny book club. Sheâs not famous, but her followers are deeply engaged. The collaboration brings a fresh voice that your audience loves. By looking at where Jesus went to pick people, you uncover hidden gems.
What to Consider Before Applying This Approach
Of course, thereâs a difference between being open and being reckless. Before you adopt this mindset, think through a few considerations.
- Donât ignore indicators of skill. The point isnât to avoid qualificationsâitâs to see beyond them. That person from a nontraditional background should still demonstrate competence or willingness to learn.
- Check for alignment of values. Jesus didnât just pick anyone; he chose people whose hearts were ready. When you look at where Jesus went to pick people, notice he still spent time teaching and shaping them. Make sure your âpickâ shares your core mission or work ethic.
- Be prepared to invest. Many overlooked people need training or mentoring. If you pull someone from the âwaterfront,â you might need to polish them. Thatâs okay if you have the time and resources.
- Watch for red flags. Ignoring reputation entirely can be risky. Use discernment. The tax collector had a certain notoriety, but he also had a desire to change. Look for willingness to grow, not just a unique background.
How Different Users Benefit from This Principle
Letâs break down how it plays out across specific roles.
Hobbyists Building a Side Project
Youâre knitting a community around your hobby. Instead of recruiting the loudest voice, look at where Jesus went to pick peopleâchoose the quiet person who always helps others in the forum. Theyâll become the backbone of your group. You benefit from their loyalty and attention to detail.
Publishers and Editors
When seeking writers, donât only rely on portfolios. A blog commenter with a striking writing style might be your next columnist. The benefit is discovering authentic voices that resonate with your niche audience.
Small Business Owners Hiring
Your part-time delivery driver might have ideas for optimizing routes. When you look at where Jesus went to pick people, you include that driver in brainstorming. Benefit? Operational improvements from someone who actually does the work.
Digital Creators Growing a Team
Your YouTube channel needs an editor. Instead of hiring a costly professional, you find a subscriber whoâs been editing videos for their small gaming channel. They have passion and a growing portfolio. You benefit from affordable, enthusiastic help that improves over time.
Connecting the Approach to Real Outcomes
When you apply this principle, you donât just fill rolesâyou build deeper loyalty. People chosen from unexpected places often feel a stronger sense of belonging. They work harder because they know you saw something in them others missed. This isnât a theoretical feel-good idea; itâs a practical strategy that leads to stronger teams, more authentic collaborations, and a culture of appreciation.
Look at where Jesus went to pick people: the lakeshore, the tax office, the roadside. Those places were full of ordinary individuals who became extraordinary when given a chance. Your âlakeshoreâ might be a community college, a coworking space, or a social media comment thread. The point is to keep your eyes open.
Remember, the goal isnât to romanticize struggleâitâs to recognize that potential often appears where others arenât looking. Whether youâre hiring, collaborating, or building an audience, ask yourself: Am I only looking in the expected places? If so, you might be missing the very people who could transform your work.
