TWELVE ORDINARY MEN
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
One Extraordinary Call
Jesus called and ordained twelve disciples (listeners, students, learners) who later were called Apostles (sent ones) to preach, heal, and continue the ministry He started.
Jesus did not choose kings, scholars, or generals to change the world.
He chose twelve ordinary men, each with strengths, weaknesses, victories, and failures. Their lives remind us that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called
Jesus called fishermen, doubters, zealots, and even broken men: ordinary men with an extraordinary call.
We discussed the twelve disciples: Their lives, accomplishments, and failures
Jesus changed some of their names after He called them, so they are sometimes hard to find what they did in scripture.
Sadly, many can name the “nine reindeer,” but do not know the names of the twelve disciples. Many will start by naming them Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but Mark and Luke were not among the original twelve.
The twelve disciples were imperfect people whom a perfect Savior used to turn the world upside down. Their story is our story: Failure is not final, and grace is always greater for those who will endure intentional discipline, repent, and walk into the Call of God.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What are the Names of the Twelve Disciples?
2. Which disciples' accomplishments and failures could you relate to the most?
3. What do you believe is the main distinction that separates the twelve disciples from the 5000 and the 70?
4. How did the “Lessons Learned” from each disciple inspire you to see discipleship in a new light?
Looking Forward to Our Discussion
In His Service,
Bishop Bill
To watch the video teaching, click this link: https://youtu.be/o9X4yrhubg0?si=X9_rqzNinApA5rvA
What are the names of the 12 Disciples?
1 Simon- Peter
2 James son of Zebedee
3 John the brother of James
4 Andrew
5 Philip
6 Bartholomew
7 Matthew
8 Thomas
9 James the son of Alphaeus
10 Thaddaeus
11 Simon the zealot
12 Judas the Iscariot
2# Andrew- He didn't need to be front and center! He was not afraid to bring people to Jesus. But the failure of limiting His faith because of being uncomfortable. I remember those wise words are faith grows when we move ourselves of what is comfortable.
Thaddeaus- He asked many Questions about God's Mission but the failure that stood out was, We don't have to understand to be obedient. Get caught up…
What are the Names of the Twelve Disciples?
-Peter(Simon), James-son of Zebedee, John, Andrew,, Philip, Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James-son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus(Judas), Simon-the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot
Which disciples' accomplishments and failures could you relate to the most?
-Andrew, it's "easy" less "scary" "safer" to be in the background 😕
-asking questions privately - scared of sounding stupid, being ridiculed in front of others, embarrassed... But I still want an answer, I still want to understand... Even more now than ever before.
-to notice things but not always sure of the how or if it's my place to take care of said thing or the right way, scared of messing up -so I usually just point them out.
-all are…
1. What are the Names of the Twelve Disciples?
Mark 3:16-19 Simon he surnamed Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot
2. Which disciples' accomplishments and failures could you relate to the most? Andrew: Happy in the background, don't want the spotlight. Faithful witness, people have told me “you live your faith." Faith has been limited by logic at times. Obedient to step out and speak when God Directs
3. What do you believe is the main distinction that separates the twelve disciples from the 5000 and the…
1. What are the Names of the Twelve Disciples?
The twelve original disciples Jesus called were:
Simon (whom Jesus named Peter)
Andrew (Peter’s brother)
James (son of Zebedee)
John (brother of James)
Philip
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)
Matthew (the tax collector, also called Levi)
Thomas (also called Didymus)
James (son of Alphaeus)
Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James)
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot
2. Which disciple’s accomplishments and failures could you relate to the most?
I relate most to Andrew because he faithfully brought people to Jesus without needing recognition. While Peter often stood in the spotlight, Andrew quietly worked in the background. He introduced Peter to Jesus. He brought the boy with the loaves and fish forward. He…
Peter, Andrew, (James) son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, (James) son of Alphaeus
Thaddeus, Simon, Judas, John. The regional 12. Matthias replaced Judas after his death.
Andrew. Sometimes I ask myself what am I doing here. Sometimes I'm afraid to speak. I'll ask God for help. It's like he has been here all this time. We need more confidence in our self and faith.
The 12 that he picked . Because they are faithful to him .
I've checked myself at the door or looked in the mirror and asked myself. Why me