When we think of Jesus and his disciples, we often picture them as a close-knit group that traveled together throughout the Holy Land. But have you ever wondered where Jesus actually called his disciples to follow him? Let’s take a closer look at the locations where Jesus chose his closest followers.
Galilee – The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry
Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, a region in northern Israel that was known for its fishing industry. It was here that he first encountered two fishermen, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew.
As they were casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
It was also in Galilee that Jesus called James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were mending their nets with their father by the shore. Jesus approached them and immediately they left their fishing boat and followed him. (Mark 1:19-20)
Jerusalem – The Call of Philip
While most of Jesus’ disciples were from Galilee, one notable exception was Philip. He was from Bethsaida, a town on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. However, it wasn’t until later in Jesus’ ministry when he traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles that he called Philip to be his disciple.
As Jesus was walking through the temple courts during the festival, he saw Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” (John 1:43) Philip immediately joined the other disciples who had already been following Jesus.
The Road to Emmaus – Cleopas
Cleopas is not often mentioned as one of Jesus’ disciples, but he played an important role in one particular event after Jesus’ resurrection. He was walking with another disciple on the road to Emmaus when they encountered a stranger who turned out to be Jesus himself. As they walked together, Jesus explained to them all the things that had been foretold in the Scriptures about his coming.
When they arrived in Emmaus and sat down to eat, Jesus revealed himself to them and then disappeared. Cleopas immediately returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what had happened.
The Call of Paul – On the Road to Damascus
Although not one of the original twelve disciples, Paul (formerly known as Saul) played a significant role in spreading the message of Jesus throughout the ancient world. And it was on a road outside of Damascus where he received his calling from the Lord.
As he was traveling with a group of men, a bright light suddenly flashed around him and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” It was then that Paul realized that he had been persecuting Jesus’ followers and that he needed to repent and turn his life around.
In conclusion, while most of Jesus’ disciples were called in Galilee at the beginning of his ministry, there were others who were called in different locations and at different times. Each one played an important role in spreading the message of God’s love and redemption throughout the world.