What Was Jesus Relationship With His Disciples?

When we look at the life of Jesus Christ, we can see that he had a very special relationship with his disciples. The Bible tells us that Jesus chose twelve men to be his closest followers, and these men became known as the twelve apostles.

But what was Jesus’ relationship with them like? Let’s take a closer look.

Jesus and His Disciples

Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was one of love and mentorship. He cared deeply for each of them, and he spent much of his time teaching them about God’s love and his plan for humanity. He also performed many miracles in their presence, showing them that he had divine power.

The Twelve Apostles

The twelve apostles were a diverse group of men who came from different backgrounds and walks of life. Some were fishermen, while others were tax collectors or political activists. Despite their differences, they all shared a common bond: they believed in Jesus and his message.

  • Peter
  • Andrew
  • James
  • John
  • Philip
  • Bartholomew
  • Thomas
  • Matthew
  • James son of Alphaeus
  • Judas son of James (also known as Thaddaeus)
  • Simon the Zealot
  • Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)

Peter: Peter was the leader among the apostles. He was outspoken and sometimes impulsive, but he also had great faith in Jesus.

John: John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was very close to Jesus and was present at many of the most important events in Jesus’ life.

Judas Iscariot: Judas was one of the twelve apostles, but he later betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.

Jesus’ Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout his time with his disciples, Jesus taught them many things about God’s love and his plan for humanity. He used parables and stories to illustrate his points, and he encouraged them to ask questions and seek understanding.

Matthew 5:1-2: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

Jesus also invested a great deal of time in mentoring his disciples. He showed them how to pray, how to love their enemies, and how to serve others. He modeled for them what it meant to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to God.

The Last Supper

One of the most significant events in Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was the Last Supper. This was a meal that Jesus shared with his closest followers on the night before his crucifixion.

At this meal, Jesus broke bread and drank wine with his disciples, telling them that these elements represented his body and blood. He also washed their feet as a symbol of humility and servanthood.

John 13:14-15: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

In Conclusion

Jesus had a very special relationship with his disciples. He loved them deeply, mentored them faithfully, and ultimately gave his life for them. Today we can still learn from Jesus’ example and seek to follow him with the same kind of love and devotion that his disciples did.