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Part 9
Jesus Chooses His Disciples
Jesus' Call to the Common Man
Jesus began his ministry by calling individuals to be his disciples. He approached fishermen Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed him.
The Immediate Response of Ordinary People to Jesus
Continuing along the shore, Jesus saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and they also left their father and boat to follow him.
Jesus then encountered a tax collector named Levi, also known as Matthew, sitting at his tax booth. Jesus said, "Follow me," and Levi got up and followed him, leaving everything behind.
As Jesus traveled, he chose twelve men from among his followers to be his closest disciples. These twelve are often referred to as the Twelve Apostles. The Gospels mention their names: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
Jesus Taught and Nurtured His Disciples
Jesus spent time teaching and training his disciples, sharing profound teachings, performing miracles, and demonstrating compassionate love for all people. The disciples witnessed his authority, power, and deep connection with God.
They accompanied Jesus on his journeys, witnessing healings, exorcisms, and the feeding of the multitudes. They asked questions and sought guidance, growing in their understanding of his mission and message.
After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to his disciples multiple times, strengthening their faith and commissioning them to spread his teachings throughout the world. They became prominent figures in the early Christian community, sharing the gospel and establishing churches.
