Lesson 24: Choosing the Twelve, Part II (Luke 6:12-16)

(Part II) Choosing the Twelve continued...In this two-part series, we are introduced to twelve famous (and to a small degree, infamous) followers of Jesus: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the zealot, Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot. Though all very different men from scattered backgrounds, Jesus nonetheless gathered them as one to His side. Through this, Pastor Daniel reminds us that “the effectiveness of our ministry is not dependent upon the one who was called but rather the One who called. It is Jesus who calls and through the Holy Spirit equips us.” As we examine the lives of these men, observing how Jesus interacted with them, considering the ways in which they grew into the men we observe at Pentecost and thereafter, we draw out life principles for ourselves. Their lives serve as great reminders of our need for the one true Savior who calls us out from places of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff