Why Did Jesus Have Disciples

During Jesus' ministry building on earth, He selected certain individuals to help with and go along His piece of work. They would be referred to during that fourth dimension as His "disciples."

Jesus' choices were interesting: 12 individuals from different places, professions, and positions became His inner circumvolve. They left their homes and jobs to walk with Him, alive with Him, and learn from Him. Almost like apprentices.

Jesus trained His disciples to sympathise His mission as the Messiah then to establish the early Christian church that would spread His gospel bulletin all over the world.

This was a large undertaking for these selected human beings. Then let's accept a closer look at:

• What it means to exist a disciple
• Why Jesus chose disciples
• How God used His disciples
• A contour of each of His disciples

What is a disciple?

Generally speaking, a disciple is a committed follower of an influential person. Merely discipleship is more than than just following someone'south ideals or like-minded with their philosophy.

A disciple typically has a deeper reason for following someone, ofttimes with the intent of learning from that person and exemplifying what they correspond.

While that was certainly the case for Jesus' disciples, post-obit Him went fifty-fifty deeper than that. Being His disciples meant a shut, personal human relationship with Him as well.

They didn't just follow Jesus around and heed to Him preach. Their involvement with Jesus encompassed their whole lives.

Why did Jesus have disciples?

If Jesus is the Son of God, why did He need humans to follow Him around and work for Him?

God is relational and His bulletin is relatable

We were created to live and acquire virtually life in the context of relationships. When God chose His disciples, He chose individuals who were willing to enter into a life-irresolute friendship.

Many of the principles He taught during His earthly ministry had to practice with how to treat ane some other, how to break downwards unnecessary barriers, and how people'south actions should be based on love rather than on hierarchies or traditions.

Often, His own disciples were the ones who needed these lessons virtually. And through their learning experiences, we all go to learn from them every bit well.

And because of this, everything Jesus talked about could more hands exist related to our daily human struggles. We tin can understand complex principles and virtues because nosotros get to read about how things played out when Jesus was didactics these things to His disciples.

And through the way Jesus taught and nurtured His disciples, we get to meet a glimpse of what God the Begetter is truly like (John fourteen:vi, 9).

They reveal human potential

Jesus oft chooses humans to be part of His plans in special ways. It demonstrates to us all that anyone can exist used by God, and we all are given unique gifts that help bear witness the love of Jesus to everyone effectually us.

God knows that whatsoever one of us ordinary people can do boggling things if we allow His power to work inside us. This was evident in the lives of many of His disciples.

Jesus even commanded them to do things that no other human can exercise:

"And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to bandage them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease" (Matthew 10:1, NKJV).

"And every bit y'all go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at manus.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:7, 8, NKJV).

Giving all the glory and credit to God, His disciples showed "signs and wonders" (Acts ii:43; 5:12) and healed many (Acts iii:1–11; iii:16; 5:xv, 16; 9:36–43).

And starting with just these 12 people, the gospel began to spread all over the earth.

They demonstrate spiritual growth through God'due south patient love

The 12 chosen past Jesus early in the New Testament involved themselves in vital ministry piece of work. But they also doubted (John 20:24–29; Marking 16:xi–xiii). They were besides stubborn, maybe spiteful, maybe power-hungry in moments.

And—fifty-fifty afterward witnessing the ministry of Jesus for several years—one denied his clan with Him while others failed Him (Matthew 26:31–35). 1 would ultimately betray him (Luke 22:i–6).

Only Jesus didn't surrender on them. Instead, every tough situation they went through, He made sure they came out of information technology stronger. They learned and so much as Jesus' disciples. Even if they had to larn some things the hard style.

He transformed the disciples through the ability of honey and forgiveness. They, in plow, helped transform the earth.

Following Jesus' death and resurrection, the disciples shared their faith as far as possible—making more disciples of Jesus in the process. They traveled throughout the Roman Empire, through Asia Minor, and beyond.

How did He cull the disciples?

At the beginning of His ministry, He chose the twelve disciples carefully and prayerfully with His Male parent'south help.

"At present information technology came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12, NKJV).

When he returned from praying,

"He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his blood brother;
James and John;
Philip and Bartholomew;
Matthew and Thomas;
James the son of Alphaeus,
and Simon chosen the Zealot;
Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor" (Luke vi:13–16, NKJV).

Jesus recruited from His community. The economic system was varied, and that diverseness presented itself among the 12.

He chose fishermen (Andrew, Peter, James, and John).

He enlisted a hated tax collector (Matthew).

He selected at least ane who desired to overthrow the government (Simon the Zealot).

I was perhaps of imperial heritage (Bartholomew).

The 12 represented diverse walks of life. And they all left what they were doing and then they could follow Jesus.

How did God utilize the disciples?¹

Jesus prepared His disciples in many means during His brief time with them. He shared all He had with His disciples. His wisdom, His noesis of heaven, and somewhen spiritual gifts were all given.

Bevins, Winfield, "How Jesus Made Disciples," GCD, June iv, 2012. https://gcdiscipleship.com/article-feed/2012/06/04/how-jesus-fabricated-disciples

Jesus was a living example in His every move. He demonstrated an unshakable religion. The work of the early church would require many in dissimilar roles of service. He taught that all disciples were office of His body.

Sharing (impartation).
Jesus equipped the 12 by sharing gifts His Male parent provided Him. He shared all of His Scriptural and spiritual noesis. He taught them most God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

In add-on, Jesus, working with God and the Holy Spirit, provided the 12 with the power to do miraculous things.

Demonstration.
In everything Jesus said and did, He was an example (one Peter 2:21). He showed the disciples how to live in every activity and word. Jesus walked in consummate religion. Through His demonstration, the disciples learned to work together, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set earlier Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right paw of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:two, NIV).

Delegation.
Jesus taught His disciples that, when you follow Him, you become part of His body (Ephesians 4:16). Each office of the body has a office. The early on church reflected this teaching.

Now yous are the trunk of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, tertiary teachers, subsequently that miracles, and then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12: 27–28).

Who were the 12 disciples?^{ii 3 4}

Let'due south go to know each of the 12.

Peter (Simon who is called Peter)

Peter, son of Jonas and brother of Andrew, was also known equally Simon (John 1:43; Acts xv:14). Peter and his brother were fishermen (Matthew four:18–19) who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum. Peter was married when Jesus gave the telephone call to follow Him (1 Corinthians 9:5).

Peter stood out as the leader and spokesman of the disciples. He was the get-go of the disciples to declare to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew sixteen:16, NKJV). The Bible shows Peter every bit a flawed man who denied Jesus in the darkest hours (Luke 22:54–62). Nevertheless, he was redeemed past Jesus before His ascension to sky (John 21, Acts 1).

Andrew

Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist (Mark 1:xvi–18). It was Andrew who brought his brother to Jesus (John ane:40). They introduced many to Jesus, who became their greatest purpose. Andrew is described as "living in his brother's shadow" simply was optimistic and assuming. He was considered a very passionate speaker for Jesus.

James

James (known as James the Elder, James Boanerges, or James the Greater) was a son of Zebedee and Salome. He was also a brother of John the disciple. James is never mentioned in the Bible apart from John (Mark 1:19–20; Matthew iv:21; Luke 5:one–11). The brothers were fishermen who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. James was the showtime of the 12 disciples to face up a martyr's decease (Acts 12:i, two). Preaching throughout Jerusalem and Judea, James showed tremendous courage and forgiveness.

John

John Boanerges (or John the Evangelist) was a fisherman and brother to James. He is referred to as "the other disciple, whom Jesus loved" (John 20:two, NKJV). John is noted for his temper and intolerance merely was profoundly devoted to Jesus. His New Testament words speak more of beloved than any other writer. He was exiled to Patmos and, following his release, led churches in Asia. John was the only disciple to not die a martyr.

Philip

Philip came from Bethsaida, same equally Peter and Andrew (John 1:44). It is generally accepted that he was too a fisherman. He is i of the first whom Jesus told to "follow Me" (John one:43). Phillip demonstrated a "salubrious" skepticism, a simple faith in Jesus, and a heart for missionary work. Philip preached in Phrygia, Greece, and Syria.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was a son of Talmai who lived in Cana. Scholars believe he was the only disciple to come from royal blood. Bartholomew's name appears in every list of the disciples (Matthew ten:3; Mark three:18; Luke half dozen:14; Acts 1:thirteen). The New Attestation shows him as a not bad searcher of Scripture. He preached in Phrygia, Armenia, and India, where he adopted the Volume of Matthew into their language.

Thomas

Thomas Didymus, at times called Judas or "Doubting Thomas," lived in Galilee. He appeared at the raising of Lazarus (John 11:2–16). During the night of Jesus' expose, Thomas' question prompted Jesus to say, "I am the fashion, the truth, and the life. No ane comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NKJV). Thomas' doubts were woven into faith.

Matthew

Mathew (also known every bit Levi) was a publican or taxation collector. Tax collectors were despised, regarded as criminals, and considered no better than harlots and Gentiles (Matthew eighteen:17; Matthew 21:31, 33; Matthew 9;ten; Marker two:15,xvi; Luke 5:30). Jesus took a hated homo and fabricated him a devoted follower. In add-on, Matthew was the first to share His teachings through writing. Several of the 12 would help author what we know as the New Testament books.

James (the son of Alphaeus)

James (the Lesser or Younger), son of Alphaeus, lived in Galilee. He was the brother of Jude and the oldest of the disciples. There is not much information about him in the New Testament. James is nowadays in the Upper Room following Jesus' ascension to heaven (Acts i).

Jude (Labbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus)

Jude was a brother of James the Younger.
In Marking iii:18 he is called Thaddaeus. In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbaeus. In Luke 6:xvi and Acts i:xiii he is called Judas. In addition to these names, he was also known every bit Judas the Zealot. Jesus took a homo hungry for power and prone to violence and showed the way of dear. Jude passionately spread the gospel of Jesus.

Simon

Simon the Zealot is too known as Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:fifteen; Acts 1:xiii). He lived in Galilee. Simon is referred to as a Canaanite (Matthew ten:4; Marker iii:xviii). Zealots were fanatical and full of hatred for Rome. Simon was transformed by his feel with Jesus. He was also in the Upper Room of Jerusalem when Jesus ascended to heaven. He preached on the west coast of Africa and in England.

Judas

Judas Iscariot lived in Kerioth. He was a Judean while the remainder of the disciples were Galileans. Information technology is said he was good with money and acted as a treasurer for the disciples. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of argent (Matthew 26:14,16). Instead of seeking forgiveness following this betrayal, he hanged himself (Matthew 27:three–5).

Discipleship is a work of love

The 12 were complicated human beings and carried out a complicated work of love. Their work allowed the early church to flourish and the message to be shared throughout the globe. There is hope and conservancy through Jesus.

Nosotros are also called, in our ordinary nature, to do boggling piece of work. We tin part as His disciples and continue sharing the message. We have a Savior and He loves all of us. Our sins are forgiven, our shame is unnecessary. He longs to return and be with us forever.

Nosotros are no more than or less complicated or ordinary than the 12. Their experience with Jesus caused them to grow in amazing means. Nosotros are encouraged to take our own experience with Jesus.

Discipleship causes the states to more deeply feel Jesus and His honey.

Why Did Jesus Have Disciples,

Source: https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/jesus/disciples/

Posted by: westbrookwhanderharty.blogspot.com

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