When Jesus Chose Disciples
If you’re familiar with the Bible, you probably know that Jesus had 12 disciples. But have you ever wondered how he chose them?
What qualities did he look for? And why did he choose these specific individuals?
The Selection of the Disciples
The selection of the disciples is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to these accounts, Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee when he saw two brothers, Simon (who is later called Peter) and Andrew.
They were fishermen, and Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed him.
Jesus continued along the sea and saw two other brothers, James and John (sons of Zebedee), who were also fishermen. He called out to them, and they too left their nets and followed him.
These four men were the first disciples that Jesus chose. Later on, he called six more: Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (also known as Levi), James (son of Alphaeus), and Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James).
The Qualities That Jesus Looked For
So what qualities did Jesus look for in his disciples? The Bible doesn’t explicitly state all the reasons why he chose each individual. However, we can make some educated guesses based on what we do know about them.
- Faith: It’s clear that each disciple had faith in Jesus from the beginning. They left their jobs, families, and homes to follow him without hesitation.
- Willingness to Learn: The disciples were willing to learn from Jesus and follow his teachings. They weren’t perfect, but they were open to growth and change.
- Commitment: Following Jesus wasn’t an easy task.
The disciples faced opposition, persecution, and even death because of their association with him. But they remained committed to him until the end.
- Diversity: Jesus chose a diverse group of individuals to be his disciples. They came from different backgrounds and had different personalities and skills.
The Role of the Disciples
The role of the disciples was to learn from Jesus, spread his message, and eventually become leaders themselves. They accompanied him on his travels, witnessed his miracles, and listened to his teachings firsthand.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples continued his mission by preaching the gospel throughout the world. They faced many challenges along the way but persevered with faith and courage.
The Significance Today
The selection of the disciples is significant for Christians today because it shows that Jesus calls people from all walks of life to follow him. He doesn’t require us to be perfect or have all the answers; he just asks us to have faith and be willing to learn.
We can also learn from the example set by the disciples themselves. Their commitment, diversity, and willingness to learn can inspire us as we seek to follow Christ in our own lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus chose 12 individuals to be his disciples based on their faith, willingness to learn, commitment, and diversity. These men played a significant role in spreading his message throughout the world and continue to inspire Christians today through their example.