When Jesus began his ministry, he called several disciples to follow him. But why did he choose them?
Was it just a random selection, or was there a specific reason behind his choices? Let’s take a closer look.
The Purpose of Discipleship
Before we delve into why Jesus chose certain individuals to be his disciples, let’s first understand the purpose of discipleship. In biblical times, a disciple was more than just an apprentice or student.
It was someone who followed and imitated their teacher in every aspect of life. The goal was not just to gain knowledge but also to become like the teacher in character and action.
The Criteria for Choosing Disciples
Now that we understand the purpose of discipleship let’s explore the criteria for choosing them. Jesus didn’t choose his disciples based on their wealth or social status; instead, he focused on their willingness to follow him and their potential for growth and leadership.
One example is Peter, who was a fisherman by trade. He wasn’t wealthy or highly educated, but he had a passion for following Jesus and spreading his message.
Another example is Matthew, a tax collector who was despised by society. But when Jesus called him, Matthew immediately left everything behind to follow him.
Jesus Chose Ordinary People
Another reason why Jesus chose certain individuals as his disciples is that he wanted to demonstrate that anyone could be used by God regardless of their background or status in society. He chose fishermen, tax collectors, and even zealots (political extremists), showing that no one is too far gone from God’s grace.
Jesus Chose Twelve Disciples
One interesting fact about Jesus’ choice of disciples is that he chose twelve – not just any number but one with significant symbolic value in Jewish culture. The twelve tribes of Israel represented God’s chosen people, so Jesus’ choice of twelve disciples was a deliberate statement that he was creating a new community of God’s people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus chose certain individuals to be his disciples based on their willingness to follow him, their potential for growth, and their representation of ordinary people. He also chose twelve disciples to symbolize the creation of a new community of God’s people. This teaches us that anyone can be used by God and that following Jesus requires a willingness to learn and grow in character and action.