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Jesus And His Disciples
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Nov 16, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: A look at the call and mission of the Disciples of Jesus Christ
Jesus And His Disciples
As we have walked with Jesus throughout His travels throughout Jerusalem, Nazareth, Capernaum & the areas of Galilee, we have seen the personal call of James, John, Peter, Andrew & Levi to be Disciples of Christ.
Understand that at this point there were many who were following Jesus. But in these verses we read that Jesus “ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils”
There is much that we can learn from Christ’s first disciples. There are many similarities in their lives and hours. They were called by Christ Himself. He chose them, they did not choose Him. They were required to leave all and follow Him. They were witnesses of His many miracles. They were taught by Christ personally. They were persecuted for their faith. Their lives were changed from the moment they met Him. They were used by Christ to carry out His message and Ministry. All of these elements are true in the life of modern day followers of Christ.
Understand also that the term Disciple is not specific to those who would later be named as Apostles. Disciple – {G} (mathētēs - math-ay-tes') - a learner, that is, pupil.We are told in Acts 6:1 (That) …in those days, the number of the disciples was multiplied, The number of disciples is still being added to today! I hope that you are a disciple or a learner of Christ.
In our selected text we learn of some of the benefits in the life of a disciple of Christ. Join me as we consider this thought “Jesus And His Disciples”
I. Jesus Calls His Disciples - v13 and he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
When we choose a person for a task or a position, there are usually superficial reasons involved in the selection process. This is not the case with Jesus.
A. He Doesn’t Call Disciples Based On Wealth
Some may have possessed more than others but they were called to leave what they had to follow Him. Some mortal men may have a tendency to look at an individual’s financial situation and favor them over others because they think it may be beneficial to them personally.
I have heard of certain business owners and politicians who are given special treatment in churches because the leadership didn’t want to offend them and chance losing the financial benefit of that individual’s tithe. That was not the case with Jesus, He wasn’t concerned with what those that He called had, rather what they were willing to give up! - Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
B. He Doesn’t Call Disciples Based On Ability
Several of the Disciples were fishermen, One was a Publican, the others we are not told of their occupation. Jesus is not concerned with what you can do for Him, rather He looks at what He can do through you!
C. He Doesn’t Call Based On Popularity
Levi was a Publican, Tax collector Publicans collected the taxes, often they employed subordinates who were in many cases guilty of extortion. The taxes were given to the Romans and were viewed by the Jews as a very heavy burden. As a result the Publicans were many times Jews and were hated by their brethren
II. Jesus Teaches His Disciples - v14a And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him,
Jesus did not just choose some men to leave everything for no reason. …He had a plan for them. Notice the phrase “that they should be with Him” Remember Jesus’ initial call to these men when He said “follow me” The most important thing that these men could do was to simply “be with Jesus” Jesus taught these men by personal example. This required closeness, this required them being with Him! They watched Him, they heard Him, and lived with Him. As a result they learned from Him!
As Disciples of Christ we are called to be WITH JESUS! It is His desire that we become like Him, in order for that to happen we must be WITH JESUS! We are called to serve Him; if we are to be successful it will be because we are WITH JESUS!
These men witnessed Jesus teach in the synagogues with power & authority. They would be present when He preached the Sermon on the Mount. They were there as He gave his defenses against the constant attacks of the religious rulers. But I bet nothing was as special to them as those times, when it was just the 12 of them gathered by a campfire or on a boat somewhere listening to Jesus teach them in a more intimate setting away from the crowds.Friend, if you would just get alone with Jesus and spend time in prayer and time in the Word, His Holy Spirit will teach you things that will change your life!
