The story of how the disciples came to follow Jesus is a fascinating one. These men left behind their previous lives to become some of the closest followers of Jesus Christ, and their journey to get there was filled with trials and tribulations. Let’s take a look at how it all began.
The Call of the Disciples
It all started when Jesus began his public ministry, preaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee. He had already attracted a small following, but he knew that he needed more help if he was going to spread his message throughout the world. That’s when he began calling out to potential disciples.
Peter and Andrew
The first two disciples that Jesus called were brothers named Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen by trade, and they were casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee when Jesus approached them.
He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they dropped their nets and followed him.
James and John
The next two disciples that Jesus called were brothers named James and John. They were also fishermen, working with their father Zebedee on their boat. When Jesus called out to them, they left behind not only their fishing gear but also their father in order to follow him.
The Twelve Apostles
Over time, Jesus continued to call out to more potential disciples until he had twelve apostles by his side. These twelve men would become some of the most important figures in Christianity, spreading the word of God throughout the world.
Matthew
One notable disciple that Jesus called was a tax collector named Matthew. Tax collectors were widely reviled in ancient times because they worked for the occupying Roman government and often extorted extra money from their fellow Jews. When Jesus called out to Matthew, it was a radical act of inclusion that shocked many people.
Judas
Of course, not all of Jesus’ disciples remained loyal to him. One of the twelve, a man named Judas Iscariot, would eventually betray Jesus and lead to his crucifixion. Despite this betrayal, however, the other eleven apostles continued to spread Jesus’ message after his death and resurrection.
Conclusion
The story of how the disciples came to follow Jesus is one that shows the power of faith and the transformative effect that it can have on people’s lives. These men left behind their previous lives in order to follow a man who they believed could change the world, and their dedication helped to spread Christianity throughout the world. Today, we can look back on their journey with admiration and respect for their courage and conviction.