The Twelve

Have you ever considered the twelve disciples? No, not the pale, scholarly figures from the picture books, but the real men described in the Bible.

Some of them were fishermen—sunburned and wind-leathered—with loud laughter and rough manners. Peter (also called Simon and Cephas) was one of these, ever the one to stand tall and speak up (Matthew 14:22-33). His brother Andrew probably wished he’d keep quiet at times. James and John, sons of a man named Zebedee, were known as the “sons of thunder†for their powerful presence (Mark 3:17).

Matthew must have felt a little out of place, a hated tax collector with soft hands (Matthew 9:9). Then, there was Philip—curious and eager to follow Jesus (John 1:43-46). Of Bartholomew little is known. Thomas is often remembered for his moment of doubt (John 20:24-28). James, son of Alphaeus, is sometimes called “James, the Younger†to distinguish himself from John’s brother. Next is Judas, often called Thaddeus to keep him from being confused with Judas Iscariot (Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). Simon the Zealot was the man with fire in his eyes, a Jewish patriot looking for the glory of Israel (Luke 6:15).

Finally, Judas Iscariot was a thief fighting with himself (John 12:4-6). He saw the goodness of Christ but refused to believe in the Son of God until it was too late.

The Twelve must have been a sight to behold as they followed Jesus all over the countryside. How did this rabble become such a driving force for Christ’s kingdom?

The disciples changed the course of history because of who they followed, not who they were. With Jesus—the risen Savior—as their rallying point, they became a close-knit community capable of turning the world upside down by the power of the Holy Spirit. • Cheyenne Craven

• Which of the disciples do you relate to the most? Why?

• The Twelve came from a number of different backgrounds. How can you learn to look past differences in other Christians to see what you have in common in Christ? How can you rally around the good news of Jesus?

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; John 6:66-71