Jesus Selected Twelve Men to Be His Disciples. What Was Their Main Role?
Today we will talk about Jesus selecting twelve men to be His disciples. What was their main role? Many Christians do not know what this means. As we reflect on these chosen ones, we will uncover their responsibilities and how they help spread the message of Jesus. It’s essential for us to understand the purpose of these disciples, as they play a significant part in our faith journey. So, let’s get into the Scriptures and see what God has to say about these twelve men.
The Meaning of Disciples
The term “disciples” comes from the Greek word **mathetes**, which means “learner” or “follower.” The Hebrew equivalent can be found in the word **talmid**, which carries the same connotation. Being a disciple means not just receiving teachings but living them out in one’s daily life. In ancient Jewish culture, a disciple would closely follow a rabbi, absorbing their teachings and trying to imitate their way of living. This is precisely what the twelve men chosen by Jesus aimed to do; they were to learn from Him and emulate His behavior in their own lives.
Furthermore, the selection of twelve disciples was very intentional. In the Jewish tradition, the number twelve held great significance, often representing God’s people, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve disciples, Jesus was symbolically establishing a new Israel, as they would carry forward His message into the world. The disciples’ role was not merely to accumulate knowledge but to become the vessels through which the teachings and love of Christ would be shared with humanity.
In Matthew 10:1–4, we see Jesus calling His twelve disciples by name. He appointed them to share in His ministry, teaching them the power they would receive to heal sickness and cast out demons. Here, we learn that the role of these disciples extends beyond just learning; they were also empowered by Jesus to perform miracles, showcasing the authority He imparted to them. This gave them the capacity to demonstrate the very Kingdom of God that they were heralding. In this role, the disciples acted as representatives of Jesus, mirroring His love, grace, and authority as they engaged with the world around them.
Understanding Their Call to Follow
The story of how Jesus chose his disciples is sprinkled across different Gospel accounts. He began by calling ordinary people, fishermen like Peter and Andrew, tax collectors like Matthew, and zealots like Simon. This shows us that Jesus sought individuals from various backgrounds, indicating that anyone can answer the call to follow Him. In Mark 1:16–20, we see Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee when He called Simon Peter and Andrew, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This illustrates the idea that being called as a disciple involves a transformation. They weren’t just leaving their jobs behind; they were stepping into a mission far greater than themselves.
In Matthew 4:18–22, we note that Jesus approached His disciples with a sense of urgency and decisiveness. He did not merely invite them to join Him for a while; rather, He called them to a lifetime commitment that would require sacrifice and dedication. Each of them had to leave their familiar surroundings, demonstrating that discipleship is often about letting go of what is comfortable in exchange for something divinely appointed. This principle remains true today; being a disciple means we are often called to step outside our comfort zones to follow Christ and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
The Role of Teachers and Leaders
Another significant aspect of the disciples’ role was their obligation to teach. They were called not only to absorb Jesus’ teachings but to also share them with others. When we look at Matthew 28:19–20, often referred to as the Great Commission, we see Jesus instructing His followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Here, the task of the disciples is outlined clearly—making disciples is a multi-generational call, meaning we should always be prepared to lead others to Christ through our words and actions.
Moreover, the power of collective effort was essential for the disciples. In Acts 2:42-47, we observe the early church community characterized by fellowship, teaching, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Each disciple played a critical part in the church’s development, leading by example in their love and commitment. They were tasked with not only preaching but also living out the Gospel in authentic ways, giving a clear representation of Christ’s heart to those around them.
In addition to teaching, the disciples often took on leadership roles. They became instrumental in guiding the early church through challenges and persecutions, as seen in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council. Their leadership model was grounded in servanthood; it was marked by humility and service to others, reflective of Jesus’ own leadership style. This quality of servant leadership is something that we, too, should aspire to in contemporary ministry and everyday life.
The Empowering Role of the Holy Spirit
The journeys taken by the twelve disciples were not undertaken in their strength alone. Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide them. This promise was fulfilled during Pentecost in Acts 2, where the disciples received the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. The arrival of the Spirit marked a transformative moment, enabling them to speak boldly, perform miracles, and effectively spread the Gospel throughout the world.
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit signifies that while the disciples were chosen and equipped, their effectiveness was ultimately up to God. In John 14:26, Jesus reassures His followers about the coming of the Holy Spirit, saying, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit serves as a teacher, guide, and source of strength in every believer’s life, empowering us to fulfill our calling as disciples today.
The role of the Holy Spirit is vital not just for the disciples but also for us. Just as the early disciples relied on this divine Helper, we too can trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our everyday lives. This reliance enables us to embrace our roles as disciples, leading others to Christ and sharing the Good News in meaningful ways. This is the essence of being a disciple—not merely knowing the teachings of Jesus but embodying them through the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Legacy of the Twelve Disciples
The story of Jesus’ twelve disciples did not end with their earthly lives; their legacy continues today in how we practice our faith. The teachings, example, and sacrifices of these early followers have become the foundation of Christianity. Each disciple took the message of Jesus to different corners of the world, enduring hardships and even martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel. Their willingness to suffer illustrates the depth of commitment one must have as a disciple. In Acts 5:41, we see the apostles rejoicing in their sufferings and persecution for the name of Jesus, expressing that serving Him is worth any cost.
Moreover, the letters and writings attributed to some of the apostles, such as Paul, Peter, and John, provide rich instruction and encouragement for us today. These writings form a crucial part of the New Testament and serve as a reference for how we should live out our faith in contemporary society. The principles of love, community, and God’s grace expressed through their teachings remain as relevant now as they were then.
Finally, discipleship is not limited to the twelve or those who lived in the times of Jesus and the early church. As believers in Jesus, we inherit the call to share His love and message with others. The role of a disciple reaches into each of our daily lives, encouraging us to foster relationships that point others towards Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, we are reminded that we are the light of the world; it’s our responsibility to shine brightly so that others may see the goodness of God through our actions. This legacy is a chain that connects us with the original twelve and prompts us to persist in our mission.
Final Thoughts
As we look back at Jesus’ selection of His twelve disciples, we see a beautiful tapestry woven with purpose. Each man’s journey from ordinary life to extraordinary mission exemplifies what it means to be called by Christ. Their primary roles included learning, teaching, leading, and relying on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This model of discipleship lays the foundation for us as we endeavor to live out our faith.
The legacy of the apostles remains crucial to our walk with Jesus today. Each of us is invited to step into this role and participate in God’s mission for humanity. Discipleship is far more than a label; it’s about how we connect with others and reflect Jesus’ love in our lives. We are part of a community united by a common call to be ambassadors of Christ.
Let us be inspired by the dedication of the original twelve, embracing their example as we take our next steps in our faith journey. Together, we can perpetuate this beautiful call and be faithful in sharing the Good News with the world around us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4