Who Were Called by Jesus and Became His First Disciples?
The Beginning of a Journey
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, started his ministry on earth by calling a group of disciples to follow him. These individuals were chosen to learn from, serve, and spread the message of Jesus to others.
Peter and Andrew
The first two men called by Jesus were brothers named Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen by trade and were casting their nets into the sea when Jesus approached them. He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets behind and followed him.
James and John
Next, Jesus called two more brothers named James and John. They were also fishermen and were working with their father in their boat when Jesus came to them. He called out to them, “Follow me,” and they left everything behind to become his disciples.
Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector before he became one of Jesus’ disciples. Tax collectors were viewed as traitors by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman Empire. When Jesus passed by Matthew’s tax booth, he simply said, “Follow me,” and Matthew obeyed without hesitation.
The Characteristics of the Disciples
All of these men had different backgrounds and lifestyles before they met Jesus. However, they all shared certain characteristics that made them suitable for this journey:
- Faithful: The disciples believed in Jesus’ teachings even when it was difficult or unpopular.
- Courageous: They stood up for what they believed in even when faced with opposition or persecution.
- Committed: The disciples were dedicated to learning from and following Jesus, even when it meant sacrificing their own desires.
- Humble: They were willing to learn from Jesus and serve others without seeking recognition or power.
The Lessons We Can Learn
The disciples’ journey with Jesus was not always easy. They faced many challenges and obstacles, but their faith in him never wavered. Their experiences teach us several valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives:
- We must be willing to follow Christ: Just like the disciples, we must be willing to let go of our old ways and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
- We must be faithful in our beliefs: The disciples remained faithful to what they believed in despite opposition or persecution. We too must stand strong in our beliefs even when it’s difficult.
- We must commit to learning and serving: The disciples were committed to learning from Jesus and serving others.
As Christians, we need to make a commitment to learn more about God’s word and serve those around us.
- We must remain humble: The disciples were humble servants who put others first. As followers of Christ, we should strive for humility in our lives as well.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, the first disciples of Jesus were ordinary men with extraordinary faith. Their journey with him teaches us valuable lessons about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. By following their example, we too can grow in faith, courage, commitment, and humility as we continue on our own journey with Jesus.