READ: MARK 3:13-19; LUKE 6:12-16; JOHN 6:66-71

Have you ever considered the twelve disciples? No, not the pale, scholarly figures from the picture books, but the real people described in the Bible.

Some of them were fishermen—sunburned and wind-leathered—with loud laughter and rough manners. Peter (also called Simon and Cephas) was one of these, ever the one to stand tall and speak up (Matthew 14:22-33). His brother Andrew probably wished he’d keep quiet at times. James and John, sons of a man named Zebedee, were also fisherman and were known as the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17).

Matthew must have felt a little out of place, a former tax collector who would’ve been considered a traitor to his own people (Matthew 9:9). Then, there was Philip—curious and eager to follow Jesus (John 1:43-46). Of Bartholomew little is known. Thomas is often remembered for his moment of doubt (John 20:24-28). James, son of Alphaeus, is sometimes called “James, the Younger” to distinguish him from John’s brother. Next is Judas, often called Thaddeus to keep him from being confused with Judas Iscariot (Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). Simon the Zealot was the revolutionary, a Jewish patriot looking for the glory of Israel (Luke 6:15).

Finally, Judas Iscariot was a thief fighting with himself (John 12:4-6). He saw the goodness of Christ, yet he betrayed Him into the murderous hands of the religious leaders.

The Twelve must have been a sight to behold as they followed Jesus all over the countryside. How did this rabble stay together, even after Christ’s resurrection and ascension? With Jesus—the risen Savior—uniting them in His love, and by His Spirit poured out on them at Pentecost, they became a close-knit community. Together, they saw God turn the world upside down by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the disciples, God worked to change the course of history. Not because of who they were, but because of who they followed. • Cheyenne Craven

• Which of the disciples do you relate to the most? Why?

• The Twelve came from a variety of different backgrounds. How can we learn to look past, and even appreciate, differences in other Christians and see what we have in common in Christ?

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)