When Jesus began his ministry, one of the first things he did was to select twelve disciples to accompany him on his mission. But why did Jesus pick his disciples?
What qualities did he look for in them? And what lessons can we learn from their selection today? Let’s take a closer look.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Disciples
Jesus’ disciples were chosen to be his closest companions and helpers during his ministry. They were to learn from him, witness his miracles and teachings, and eventually carry on his work after he was gone. In other words, they were to be the foundation of the early Christian church.
The Qualities of Jesus’ Disciples
So what qualities did Jesus look for in his disciples? Firstly, they had to be committed and willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of following him.
In Matthew 4:19-20, we see Jesus calling Peter and Andrew, saying “Come, follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed him.
Secondly, Jesus looked for people who had a humble heart and were willing to learn. In Luke 9:46-48, we see the disciples arguing over who was the greatest among them. But Jesus corrected them by saying that whoever is least among them will be the greatest in God’s kingdom.
Thirdly, Jesus looked for individuals who were faithful and obedient. In John 15:14-15, Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” This shows that being a disciple of Christ is not just about following him but also obeying his commands.
- Peter
- Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and played a significant role in the early church. Despite being impulsive and prone to making mistakes (such as denying Christ three times), Peter was a loyal and dedicated follower of Jesus. He was also a natural leader and was instrumental in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.
- John
- John was known as the “beloved disciple” and had a close relationship with Jesus. He was faithful, obedient, and willing to serve Christ even in the face of persecution.
John later wrote several books of the New Testament including the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.
- Judas Iscariot
- Judas Iscariot is perhaps the most infamous of all the disciples. Although he was chosen by Jesus to be one of his closest companions, Judas ultimately betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. This serves as a reminder that even those who are chosen by God can fall away if they do not remain faithful.
The Lessons We Can Learn
The selection of Jesus’ disciples teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it shows us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. None of the disciples were particularly special or talented in their own right; it was only through their obedience to Christ that they were able to make an impact.
Secondly, it reminds us that being a disciple of Christ requires sacrifice and commitment. Following Jesus means putting him above everything else in our lives.
Finally, it shows us that even those who are chosen by God can fall away if they do not remain faithful. We must always guard our hearts and stay true to our calling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that there were specific qualities that Jesus looked for when selecting his disciples – commitment, humility, faithfulness, and obedience. Through their example, we can learn what it means to be a true follower of Christ. Let us strive to cultivate these qualities in our own lives as we seek to serve him.