Jesus Calls The Disciples

Jesus Calls His Twelve Disciples

As Jesus began His public ministry, one of His first actions was to call His first twelve disciples. The Gospels recount how Jesus carefully selected twelve men from diverse backgrounds to be his closest followers and future apostles. These were ordinary men, and Jesus was calling them to fulfill an extraordinary role. This group would learn directly from Jesus, witness His miracles, and eventually be tasked with spreading the Good News of the Gospel throughout the world.

1. Peter & Andrew

According to Matthew 4:18-20 and Mark 1:16-18, Jesus first called Peter (also known as Simon) and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen, engaged in their daily work when Jesus approached them and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed Jesus.

2. James & John (Sons of Zebedee)

The next to be called were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were also fishermen. Jesus called them while they were mending their nets in their boat (Matthew 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20). They too left their father in the boat with the hired men and followed Jesus.

3. Matthew

The calling of Matthew (also known as Levi) is described in Matthew 9:9 and Mark 2:14. He was a tax collector, a profession often despised by the Jewish people for its association with Roman oppression and corruption. Yet, Jesus saw potential in Matthew and called him to follow, illustrating that his ministry was open to all, regardless of reputation or past sins. Matthew responded to the call by getting up and following Jesus.

4. Philip & Nathanael (Bartholomew)

Philip was from the town of Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew. John’s Gospel provides details about the calling of Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-51). Philip was called directly by Jesus, who found him and said, “Follow me.” Philip was not only ready to follow, but also went and brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus. Nathanael though initially skeptic, was later won over after hearing Jesus’ supernatural insight about his life.

5. Thomas, James (Son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot

The remaining disciples are less individually detailed in their calling, but they are listed in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16). Each of these men came from diverse backgrounds, including Thomas, who is known for his doubting nature, and Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus. Get a closer look at the lives of each of these disciples – Thomas, James (Son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot) and Judas Iscariot.

Call to Discipleship

Jesus’ first disciples came from various backgrounds – fishermen, tax collectors, and more. Today, Jesus is still calling each of us to be His disciples and to make disciples of others. He’s reaching out to people from all walks of life, across different cultures, professions, and circumstances. Whatever our stage of life, whether a student, a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or retiree, Jesus’ call echoes through time: “Follow me.” Our situations may differ, our challenges may vary, but the invitation remains the same.

Just as those first disciples left their nets to follow Jesus, we too are asked to step out of our comfort zones, to follow Him, to learn from Him, and to share His love with the world around us. The adventure of discipleship that began on the shores of Galilee continues today, and each one of us is invited to be part of this extraordinary journey.