When Jesus began his ministry, he chose 12 disciples to accompany him on his mission. These disciples would eventually become the foundation of the Christian church.
But how did Jesus choose these 12 men? Let’s take a look.
The Selection Process
Jesus’ selection process for his disciples was not based on their social status or education. Instead, he chose ordinary men who were willing to follow him and learn from him. In fact, many of his disciples were fishermen.
The Calling of Peter and Andrew
Peter and Andrew were brothers who worked as fishermen. One day, while they were casting their nets into the sea, Jesus approached them and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.
The Calling of James and John
James and John were also fishermen who worked with their father. When Jesus called them to follow him, they left their father in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him. (Mark 1:19-20)
The Calling of Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector when Jesus called him to be one of his disciples. Tax collectors were viewed as sinners in Jewish society because they collected taxes for the Roman government. However, Jesus saw something in Matthew that others did not see and called him to follow Him.
The Purpose of Choosing 12 Disciples
Jesus chose 12 disciples to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. This was symbolic of His mission to bring salvation not only to Jews but also to all people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ selection process for his disciples was not based on worldly standards but on their willingness to follow Him. He chose ordinary men from different backgrounds who would eventually become extraordinary leaders in the Christian church. The purpose of choosing 12 disciples was to represent the unity of all people in Christ.