The Disciples

Flawed role models!

Simon PeterOccupation: Fisherman

Characteristics: Spoke without thinking, impulsive

Major Events: One core group of 3 disciples, recognised Jesus as the Messiah, denied Christ and repented, preached the Pentecost sermon

What Jesus said about him: named him Peter ‘the rock’

Called him ‘Satan’ when he urged Jesus to reject the cross

He would deny Jesus

He would be crucified for his faith

A key lesson from his life: We can all make mistakes at times but when we return to Jesus he forgives us and strengthens our faith

Bible verses: Matt 4:18-20 (calling), Mark 8:29-33 (messiah), Luke 22:31-34 (Jesus predicts denial), Acts 2:14-41 (Pentecost)

James (son of Zebedee)Occupation: Fisherman

Characteristics: had a bit of a temper, selfishness

Major Events: One of core group, asked for key places in God’s kingdom with John, wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village, first disciple to be martyred

What Jesus said about him: Called James and John sons of thunder

A key lesson from his life: Christians must be willing to die for Jesus (make a stand)

Bible verses: Mark 3:17 (thunderbolts), Luke 9:52-56 (Samaritan village), Acts 12:1-2 (beheaded)

John (son of Zebedee)Occupation: Fisherman

Characteristics: the one who Jesus loved

Major Events: third of core group, also asked for key places in God’s kingdom and wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village, wrote Gospel and 1,2,3 John and revelations

What Jesus said about him: Called James and John sons of thunder, said he would fish for people, would drink the cup Jesus drank, would take care of Jesus’ mother

A key lesson from his life: The transforming power of the love of Christ is available to all

Bible verses: Mark 1:19 (calling), Mark 10:35-40 (place of honour)

Andrew (Peter’s brother)

Occupation: Fisherman, (evangelist!)

Characteristics: eager to bring others to Jesus

Major Events: accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus, told Peter about Jesus, he and Philip told Jesus the Greeks wanted to see him

What Jesus said about him: Said he would fish for people

A key lesson from his life: we are to tell other people about Jesus

Bible verses: Matt 4:18-20 (calling), John 1:35-42 (John B testimony, brings Peter to J)

PhilipOccupation: Fisherman

Characteristics: Questioning attitude

Major Events: told Nathanael about Jesus, wondered how Jesus would feed 5000, asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father

What Jesus said about him: Asked if Philip realised that to know and see Him was to know and see the Father

A key lesson from his life: God doesn’t mind us asking questions and uses them to teach us

Bible verses: John 1:43-46 (calling), John 6:2-7 (questioning), John 14:8-11 (show us the Father)

Bartholomew (Nathanael)Occupation: unknown

Characteristics: Honesty and straight forwardness

Major Events: Initially rejected Jesus as he was from Nazareth but acknowledged Him as ‘son of God’ and ‘King of Israel’ when they met

What Jesus said about him: Called him a ‘true son of Israel’ and ‘an honest man’

A key lesson from his life: Jesus respects honesty in people – even if they challenge Him because of it

Bible verses: John 1:45-51 (calling), John 21:1-13 (part of crew whom Jesus appeared to after resurrection)

Matthew (Levi)Occupation: Tax collector

Characteristics: keen observer and record keeper

Major Events: abandoned corrupt and financially profitable way of life to follow Jesus, invited Jesus to party with notorious friends, wrote Gospel of Matthew

What Jesus said about him: called him to be a disciple

A key lesson from his life: Christianity is not for people who think they’re good already, it is for those who know they’ve failed and want help. Each one of us is a work in progress

Bible verses: Matt 9:9-13, Mark 2:15-17 and Luke 5:27-32 (calling),

Thomas (the twin)Occupation: unknown

Characteristics: courage and doubt

Major Events: suggested disciples go with Jesus to Bethany even if it meant death, asked Jesus about where he was going, refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Him alive and touch His wounds

What Jesus said about him: said he believed because he actually saw Jesus after the resurrection

A key lesson from his life: Even when we have serious doubts Jesus will reach out to us and restore our faith

Bible verses: John 14:5 (where are we going) John 20:24-29 (seeing Jesus alive again)

James (son of Alphaeus)Occupation: unknown

Characteristics:

Major Events: one of Jesus disciples

What Jesus said about him: unknown

A key lesson from his life: unknown (we can still be followers of Jesus even if there is little know about us, we have a purpose, we don’t have to be at the forefront)

Bible verses: Matt 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15 (named)

Thaddaeus (Judas son of James)Occupation: unknown

Characteristics:

Major Events: asked Jesus why he would reveal Himself to His followers and not the world.

What Jesus said about him: unknown

A key lesson from his life: Christians follow Jesus because they believe in Him, they do not always understand the details of God’s plan.

Bible verses: Matt 10:3, Mark 3:18, John 14:22 (the question)

Simon the ZealotOccupation: unknown

Characteristics: fierce patriotism, eagerness

Major Events: became a disciple

What Jesus said about him: unknown

A key lesson from his life: If we are willing to give up our plans for the future we can participate in Jesus’ plans

Bible verses: Matt 10:3, Mark 3:18 (named)

Judas IscariotOccupation: unknown

Characteristics: dishonest

Major Events: betrayed Jesus, killed himself

What Jesus said about him: called him a devil, said Judas would betray Him

A key lesson from his life: it is not enough to be familiar with Jesus’ teachings we need to love and obey Him as well.

Bible verses: Matt 26:20-25 (Judas identified as betrayer), Luke 22:47,48 (the kiss), John 12:4-8 (money driven)

MeOccupation: ?

Major Events: ?

What Jesus says about me: ?

A key lesson from my life: ?