The Disciples of Christ I. Jesus began His ministry in a similar way to that of John the Baptist. A. His message was similar to that of John. 1. He preached repentance (Mt. 3:2; 4:17). 2. He preached that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Mt. 3:2; 4:17).

3. He preached faith in the gospel (Mark 1:14-15). B. His disciples baptized people in water in a way similar to that of John (John 3:22-23, 26; 4:1-2). C. He gathered disciples or followers similar to that of John (John 4:1-2).

D. His ministry went beyond that of John. 1. He taught in the synagogue (Luke 4:14-15). 2. He demonstrated the power of the kingdom in signs and wonders (Mt. 4:23-25; Mark 1:32-34; Acts 10:38).

II. Jesus called some of His followers to be His disciples. A. Jesus made the cost of discipleship clear (Mt. 10:34-39; Luke 9:23-27; 14:25-33). 1. Not everyone could handle His message (Mt. 15:12; John 6:41-71). 2. We are blessed when we are not offended at His words (Mt. 11:6; Luke 7:23).

B. Some of those He called to discipleship responded properly. 1. The call of Peter, Andrew, James and John (Mt. 4:18:22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-42). Notice that they left three things to follow Jesus (Mt. 19:27, 29): a. They left their nets. b. They left their ship. c. They left their relative (Mark 1:20).

2. The call of Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-51). These men could respond in this way because they seemed to have a revelation of Who Jesus was. 3. The call of Matthew (Mt. 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27-28).

C. Some others did not respond too well. 1. The rich young ruler (Mt. 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-30) 2. The scribe (Mt. 8:18-20; Luke 9:57-58) 3. Another man (Mt. 8:21-22; Luke 9:59-60) 4. Yet another man (Luke 9:61-62)

III. Jesus selected from His disciples twelve who would name “apostles” (Mt. 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). A. These apostles would be chosen after serious prayer (Luke 6:12). B. These apostles would be a cross section of the culture of the day. 1. Simon Peter, a fisherman 2. Andrew, Peter’s brother and a fisherman

3. James, the son of Zebedee, brother of John and a fisherman 4. John, a fisherman, the youngest of the twelve 5. Philip, possibly a fisherman 6. Bartholomew 7. Matthew, also called Levi, a tax collector 8. Thomas, a fisherman

9. James, the son of Alphaeus 10. Simon, the Zealot 11. Judas, the son of James, also known as Thaddaeus 12. Judas Iscariot, treasurer for the group, betrayed Jesus for money

C. These apostles would be the foundation for the New Testament Church (Eph. 2:19-22). D. These apostles would have a special place in God’s kingdom for all eternity. 1. They would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt. 19:28). 2. Their names would be in the twelve foundation stones in the Eternal City (Rev. 21:14).

IV. Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles to share with Him in His ministry (Mt. 10:1; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6). 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. Matthew 10:1

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts--9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. 10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place…

… 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:7-13

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick…6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Luke 9:1-2, 6