Mark 3:14
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.
Jesus' Teachings
The Twelve Disciples
Ordinary men, real struggles, chosen to change the world
Introduction
Jesus didn't only teach crowds from a distance. He handpicked twelve men to walk with Him for three years — ordinary men, with real flaws, whom He intended to change the world.
They weren't rabbis, scholars, or the most obviously qualified candidates available. They were fishermen, a tax collector, a political revolutionary — chosen not for what they'd already accomplished, but for what three years with Jesus would make of them.
Scripture
Luke 6:12-13
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Matthew 19:28
That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Translation note: Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV). The King James Version is in the public domain.
Key insights
- Chosen after a whole night of prayer
- None of them were religious professionals
- A tax collector and a Zealot served side by side
- The Twelve echo Israel's twelve tribes
- Presence with Jesus came before their mission
Related resources
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