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Does God Show Favoritism?

As a small church pastor, it can be easy to feel overlooked—by people, by platforms, and sometimes, if we're honest, even by God. You may be pouring out your heart week after week, shepherding faithfully with limited resources and little recognition, and quietly wondering: If God doesn’t show favoritism, why does it seem like others get more influence, more opportunity, or more intimacy with Him? Even in Scripture, Jesus had inner circles—three disciples at the Transfiguration, twelve in His closest community, and the multitudes beyond them. So how do we reconcile this with a God who is said to love all equally? Let’s look deeper into this tension and find clarity, encouragement, and purpose in the way Jesus modeled relationships and leadership.

This is a profound and often wrestled-with question in both theological study and personal discipleship: If God doesn’t show favoritism (Romans 2:11), then why did Jesus seem to operate with different levels of closeness and access among His followers? Let’s walk through this biblically and practically to help make sense of it.


1. Understanding “Favoritism” in Scripture

Romans 2:11 says, “For God does not show favoritism.”

In context, Paul is speaking about God's justice, particularly regarding salvation and judgment. The idea is that no one gets unfair preference based on external factors like race, status, or religious background. Everyone stands equal before God in terms of access to salvation and accountability for sin.

Favoritism = unjust partiality.

What Jesus demonstrates instead is relational purpose and strategic intimacy, not exclusion or inequality.


2. Jesus’ Inner Circles: A Pattern of Intentional Discipleship

Let’s look at Jesus’ relational circles:

  • The Multitudes – Crowds who followed Him (Luke 6:17-19)
  • The 70 (or 72) – Sent out to do ministry (Luke 10:1)
  • The 12 – Disciples personally chosen for intensive training (Mark 3:13-19)
  • The 3 (Peter, James, John) – Witnessed key events like the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), Jairus’ daughter’s resurrection (Mark 5:37), and Gethsemane (Mark 14:33)
  • John (“the beloved disciple”) – Had a unique personal closeness (John 13:23)

This tiered structure wasn’t favoritism—it was strategic investment.


3. Biblical Principles Behind Relational Access

Here’s how we can biblically understand the difference in access:

A. Calling vs. Closeness

Jesus called all to follow, but closeness required response, maturity, and purpose. He wasn’t excluding others; He was training leaders.

  • Mark 3:14 – “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
  • Luke 8:10 – “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom...” (spoken to the disciples, not the crowd)
B. Depth of Relationship Often Matches Responsibility

Peter, James, and John were being prepared for greater responsibility (Acts shows they led the early church). Jesus gave them unique experiences because of their calling, not because He loved them more.

C. Even Jesus Had Limits in His Humanity

Jesus modeled healthy boundaries. As fully God but also fully man, He couldn’t spend equal time with everyone—so He modeled leadership development through intentional tiers.


4. How This Applies to Us Today

As leaders, pastors, or disciple-makers, this shows us:

  • We can love everyone equally, but invest differently.

Not everyone needs the same level of access. That’s not favoritism—it’s faithful stewardship of influence and time.

  • God gives different assignments to different people.

Jesus didn’t treat the Pharisees the same way as the fishermen. He ministered according to receptivity and purpose.

  • God desires intimacy with all—but not all pursue it equally.

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Access to closeness with God is available, but not automatic.


5. Jesus Modeled Relational Stewardship, Not Relational Elitism

If Jesus had tried to give equal time to everyone, He would’ve neglected the mission. Instead, He:

  • Shared widely (teaching the crowds)
  • Invested intentionally (discipling the 12)
  • Entrusted deeply (empowering the 3 to lead)

This structure was not about value, but capacity, calling, and readiness.


Final Reflection

If you're wrestling with this as a leader or follower, here are some reflective questions:

  • Am I confusing equal love with equal access?
  • Who in my life has God called me to invest in more deeply?
  • Am I willing to pursue closeness with God the way Peter, James, and John did—through obedience, trust, and responsiveness?


Jesus didn’t show favoritism—He showed wisdom. As pastors, we’re called to do the same. He loved the multitudes, discipled the twelve, and invested deeply in a few—not to exclude, but to equip. The same is true for you. God hasn’t forgotten you or your ministry. He sees your faithfulness, and He’s not measuring your impact by numbers but by obedience. So don’t let comparison steal your confidence or cloud your calling. Instead, lead like Jesus—love everyone, invest wisely, and trust that your labor is not in vain.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own circles of influence. Who is God asking you to pour into more intentionally? Who around you is hungry for deeper discipleship? And where might God be drawing you into greater intimacy with Him—not because you’ve earned it, but because He’s inviting you to lead from a deeper well.



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