Twelve Ordinary Men

1. Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.

Unlikely choices. Jesus deliberately selected common, unrefined men from Galilee as His disciples. These men were not from the religious elite or aristocracy, but were mostly fishermen and laborers. Their ordinariness highlights God's preference for using the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes.

Divine strategy. By choosing unremarkable individuals, Jesus ensured that the success of His mission would be attributed to God's power rather than human ability. This approach confounds worldly wisdom and demonstrates that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

• Characteristics of the disciples:
  • Lacking formal education
  • No special social status
  • Prone to misunderstanding and failure
  • Transformed by Christ's teaching and the Holy Spirit's power

2. Peter: The impulsive leader transformed by Christ

"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

Natural leader. Peter was bold, outspoken, and often acted before thinking. His impulsiveness led to both moments of great insight and embarrassing failures. Jesus saw Peter's potential and worked to shape his character, renaming him from Simon to Peter ("Rock").

Gradual transformation. Christ patiently molded Peter, teaching him valuable lessons through experiences like walking on water, denying Jesus three times, and being restored after the resurrection. Peter's journey from impetuous fisherman to steadfast apostle illustrates the transformative power of Christ's love and guidance.

• Key moments in Peter's development:
  • Confessing Jesus as the Christ
  • Witnessing the Transfiguration
  • Denying Jesus and subsequent restoration
  • Preaching at Pentecost
  • Leading the early church

3. Andrew: The quiet disciple who brought others to Jesus

He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Personal evangelist. Andrew, often overshadowed by his brother Peter, excelled at introducing individuals to Jesus. He consistently sought opportunities to connect people with Christ, demonstrating the power of personal relationships in spreading the gospel.

Behind-the-scenes faithfulness. Though not as prominent as some other disciples, Andrew's quiet dedication and willingness to serve in the background were invaluable to Jesus' ministry. His example reminds us that seemingly small acts of bringing people to Christ can have far-reaching impacts.

• Examples of Andrew's evangelistic efforts:
  • Bringing Peter to Jesus
  • Introducing the boy with loaves and fish
  • Helping Greeks meet Jesus

4. James and John: Sons of Thunder molded by the Master

But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"

Fiery temperaments. James and John, nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus, were known for their zeal and ambition. Their request to call down fire on a Samaritan village and desire for prominent positions in Christ's kingdom revealed their passionate yet immature faith.

Transformed by Christ. Jesus patiently worked to channel their fervor into more constructive outlets. Through His teaching and example, He taught them the importance of humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love. Their transformation is evident in their later ministries and willingness to suffer for the gospel.

• Lessons learned by James and John:
  • Humility in service
  • Patience and compassion
  • Courage in the face of persecution
  • Love as the foundation of ministry

5. Philip and Nathanael: From skepticism to unwavering faith

Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."

Initial doubts. Philip and Nathanael represent disciples who struggled with skepticism and limited vision. Philip's pragmatic nature often focused on practical limitations rather than divine possibilities. Nathanael's initial prejudice against Jesus' hometown of Nazareth nearly prevented him from meeting the Messiah.

Growth in faith. Jesus patiently worked with both men, challenging their assumptions and expanding their understanding of His power and mission. Their journey from doubt to conviction illustrates the importance of personal encounters with Christ and the transformative nature of following Him.

• Key moments in their faith development:
  • Philip's struggle to see beyond material limitations
  • Nathanael's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God
  • Learning to trust in Christ's supernatural provision
  • Growing in their roles as apostles and evangelists

6. Matthew: A despised tax collector redeemed by grace

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

Radical transformation. Matthew's calling demonstrates the power of Christ to redeem even those considered societal outcasts. As a tax collector, Matthew was despised by his fellow Jews, yet Jesus saw his potential and invited him to become a disciple.

From outcast to evangelist. Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call and his subsequent hosting of a banquet for other "tax collectors and sinners" reveal his enthusiasm for sharing the good news of Christ's acceptance. His background as a social pariah uniquely positioned him to reach others on the fringes of society.

• Implications of Matthew's calling:
  • No one is beyond the reach of God's grace
  • Christ came to call sinners, not the self-righteous
  • Personal transformation leads to evangelistic zeal
  • Diverse backgrounds enrich the body of Christ

7. Thomas: The doubter who became a devoted believer

Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Struggle with doubt. Thomas is often remembered for his skepticism about Jesus' resurrection, insisting on physical proof before he would believe. This moment of doubt, however, should be viewed in the context of Thomas's overall character, which included loyalty and a willingness to die with Christ.

Faith affirmed. Jesus' gentle response to Thomas's doubts, allowing him to touch His wounds, led to one of the most powerful confessions of Christ's deity in the Gospels. Thomas's journey from skepticism to unwavering faith encourages believers to honestly wrestle with their doubts and seek answers from Christ.

• Lessons from Thomas's experience:
  • Doubt can be a stepping stone to deeper faith
  • Jesus meets us in our uncertainties
  • Personal encounters with Christ dispel doubts
  • Honest confession of faith follows genuine belief

8. James the Less, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James: Obscure yet faithful

James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James ...

Diverse backgrounds. These less-known disciples represent the variety of personalities and backgrounds Christ called to follow Him. From the obscure James the Less to the politically radical Simon the Zealot, Jesus formed a diverse team united in their commitment to His mission.

Faithful service. Though little is known about their individual ministries, these disciples played crucial roles in the early church's expansion. Their relative anonymity in Scripture reminds us that faithful service to Christ, even when unrecognized, is valuable in God's kingdom.

• Characteristics of these lesser-known disciples:
  • James the Less: Humble and unassuming
  • Simon the Zealot: Passionate and politically engaged
  • Judas son of James: Tender-hearted and inquisitive
• Their example teaches:
  • God uses a variety of personalities in His work
  • Faithful service matters more than recognition
  • Unity in Christ transcends personal differences

Last updated: October 12, 2024