The Life and Ministry of Jesus
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. Matthew 10:1–4
A “disciple” is a learner, one who follows a teacher and learns his wisdom. Jesus had many disciples, some of whom were merely “hangers-on,” and some who were truly converted. From this large group of followers, Jesus selected a smaller group of twelve men; and these He called “apostles.”
This word comes from the Greek word apostello, which means “to send forth with a commission.” It was used by the Greeks for the personal representatives of the king, ambassadors who functioned with the king’s authority. To make light of the king’s envoys was to be in danger of insubordination. 1
Personal Encouragement
The Bible also calls the followers of Jesus ambassadors. That means that you represent His Kingdom on earth. How well will you be proclaiming the greatness of your King during the Christmas season?
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. John 6:66
To be a disciple of Jesus is to follow the orders of a King.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for choosing me to represent You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
