THE CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE DISCIPLES AND JESUS TEACHINGS ON TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

THE CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE DISCIPLES AND JESUS TEACHINGS ON TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Luke 6:12-16

Jesus prayed the whole night for God’s guidance and revelation before choosing the 12 disciples. He called his disciples and chose 12. They were to accompany him, teach his word and be witnesses to the Good news.

The 12 disciples were to be witness to the house of Israel and to the rest of the world. Jesus Christ called the twelve disciples ‘Apostles’ meaning one who is sent.  From the Greek word Apostles meaning missionaries.

The 12 were:

1. Simon Peter                          
2. Mathew
3. Andrew                                
4. Thomas
5. James                                  
6. James son of Alpheus
7. John                                      
8. Simon the Zealot
9. Philip                                    
10. Judas son of James
11. Bartholomew                    
12. Judas Iscariot

 Reasons why Jesus chose the twelve disciples

1. To form an inner group of personal assistants and followers.
2. They were to be his companions during his public ministry.
3. They were to witness the Good News of his saving acts to the whole world.
4. They were to help him with his work of salvation and teach his word.
5. Jesus wanted to reveal his person and give them a new understanding of his Messiahship.
6. He was to train them to carry on his mission after his death.
7. The choosing of the 12 symbolized the reconstruction of the 12 tribes of Israel.
8. He chose the 12 disciples who came from all walks of life to represent the New Israel,       /the church whose outlook would be universal.
9. The choice of the twelve disciples was a continuation of God’s theme of election; aimed   at restoring the broken relationship with humankind.

Lessons learned from the choosing of the twelve disciples

• Christians must be willing to carry on with Jesus Christ’s work of spreading the Good News.  They can do this through the ministries of preaching, healing and also community      service.
• Christians should always remember to consult with God in their undertakings.  This can be done through prayer, retreats and bible study.
• All Christians should witness for Christ.
• Christians should undertake training in various aspects of Christian ministry in order to     carry out Jesus’ work effectively.

Ways in which the Church is preparing the youth for leadership roles in the society

1. Providing them with education.
2. Appointing them as teachers of Sunday school.
3. Organizing seminars for the youth on leadership roles/ worship.
4. Assisting them to be self employed.
5. Encouraging them to use their talents in church.
6. Providing them with guidance and counselling services.
7. Being role models to them.
8. Giving financial/ material support for their projects.
9. Assigning them duties to be carried out under supervision.
10. Accomodating the views of the youth.

JESUS TEACHING ON THE QUALITIES OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP - Luke 6:20-49

After Jesus Christ had selected the twelve, he taught them on the qualities of true discipleship during the sermon on the plain.

1. Perseverance in the face of persecution. 
   True disciples experience persecution  on account of Jesus 6:22, 26a.  Those who endure this suffering will receive  external life.
2. Unwavering faith in Jesus/deeply rooted in the faith. 
   True disciples had to have absolute faith.  Jesus Christ warned them that they would be rejected by others but they were to trust in God to deliver them.  
3. Love for enemies.  Luke 6:27-28, 35. 
   The disciples were to love their enemies. 6:31. This became the golden rule of Jesus.  This love is called ‘agape’ meaning sacrificial love.  It is gracious, determined, active and spontaneous.
4. Obedience to Jesus’ teaching.
   Disciples were expected to be obedient to the lordship of Christ.
5. Implementers of Jesus Christ’s teaching. 
   Luke 6:43-45.  The disciples were expected to “bear good fruit.”
6. They were to be generous. Luke 6:30. 
   The disciples were expected to be generous to all.  Those who have are expected to share with those who don’t.
7. They were to exercise self criticism. 
   Luke 6:41 – 42, before judging others/should be fair when passing judgment to others.
8. The disciples were to show compassion to others/mercy. 
   Luke 6:36.  The disciples were expected to be as merciful/as God since he is merciful to all people.