The Twelve

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 fr...