The Disciples

During my morning bible studies I’m going through the book of Mark and I’m struck daily by the disciples. From what they say and do to what they don’t say or do; but most of all the experience that they received. They arguably had some of the greatest three years anyone in human history has ever had the opportunity to experience.

Research suggests that an adult has the capacity to maintain 12 solid friendships. Low and behold Jesus had 12 – exactly twelve – he filled his capacity so that he could share his deepest wisdom and intimate life with the maximum number of people possible.

You might have heard those sermons which list all the bad sides to the disciples. How they were just lowly fisherman; how they never understood anything; how they fell asleep, were frightened and deserted him.

But let’s give credit where credit is due.

1 // THEY LEFT THEIR NETS

They gave up everything. They left the comfort and safety of their job and village to follow a man full time. Talk about radical!

2 // THEY SAT THROUGH A LOT OF SERMONS (AND LISTENED… SOMEWHAT)

Don’t ever complain about the vicar going on a minute too long ever again.

They learnt from Jesus and passed on the knowledge. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost would not have had the same authority and seen the same conversion if he had not learnt from the very best.

3 // THEY HEALED

Jesus sent his followers out in his name and with that came miracles and healings across the region. Sometimes – just like us – the healing didn’t happen, but they still tried.

4 // THEY INVESTED

They invested their time in learning from the great teacher but also investing in the next generation. The disciples were the early apostles and planted churches across Asia Minor, this is done by leading and leading well. Investment in the next generation of followers was key to the longevity of the Church, especially in a climate of persecution.

5 // THEY WOULD DIE FOR HIM

All but John went on to die for the allegiance to Chirst. The early church grew in an atmosphere of persecution. These disciples kept going when faced with opposition at every turn.

These 12 men had the best opportunity. They had access to Jesus in his innermost circle. They partook in every miracle – every mouth of 5000 fed from five loaves and two fish; witnessed every healing – even the spit in the eyes; shared in Jesus’ intimacy – the last supper, the breakfast, the prayer in Gethsemane.

But these lessons and experiences didn’t stop at the twelve. They went on to plant the early Church. Let us not forget that from these 12 (plus other close friends of Jesus – including women) we have a family of 2.2billion believers.