IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS, THE APOSTLES ARE TRANSFORMED
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The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. – John 1:14
Twelve ordinary men become extraordinary by the power and grace of Christ. Jesus divinely chooses His diverse band of apostles from all walks of life. He calls and anoints them as apostles (“ones sent”)… that they might be with Him… to listen to His preaching, to see His miracles, to experience His agape love, to learn to walk in His footsteps… to become like Him.
For the apostles’ calling, their life mission is monumental, far-reaching into the eternal future. Their roles are pivotal in the Master’s plan of the ages. During Jesus’ time on earth, their purpose is to proclaim His message: The kingdom of heaven has come near. He gives them authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.
After His resurrection, Jesus assigns His apostles the Great Commission… to go and make disciples of all nations. They receive the Holy Spirit, power from on high, that equips them for this high calling. Nearly all die as martyrs for their faith. All but one become true believers, enduringly faithful to Jesus to the end. Yet it all begins in His holy presence, where these apostles, and all believers, are transformed.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE APOSTLES
You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. – Matthew 16:16
† PETER – Transformed: Impulsive to Steadfast
One of the “inner circle” of apostles who shares in His preeminent times. Andrew’s older brother. Jesus gives Simon the new name Peter (petros = rock), prophesying his transformation from headlong fisherman to impassioned witness for Christ. Faith falters at times, yet fiercely loyal to Jesus. First of the apostles to proclaim Jesus as Messiah. Author of 1 & 2 Peter.
Come, follow Me… and I will send you out to fish for people. – Matthew 4:19
† JAMES – Transformed: Fiery to Committed
Son of Zebedee. John’s older brother. One of the “inner circle”. A bold, strong, respected leader. Mother is Salome, cousin of Mary, mother of Jesus. James and John are cousins of Jesus. Both are called by Him from their fishing trade to become fishers of the lost. First to be martyred for the faith by King Herod Agrippa I.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples. – John 13:34-35
† JOHN – Transformed: Overzealous to Loving
Son of Zebedee. The disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus calls him, and brother James, Sons of Thunder. Their zeal, fire and passion are bridled for the kingdom. Author of Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John, Revelation. Becomes the Apostle of Love. Exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith. Experiences a vision of the risen Christ. Writes extensively on His agape love. Longest living of the apostles.
We have found the Messiah! – John 1:41
† ANDREW – Transformed: Seeking to Dedicated
Sociable, relational, a heart for evangelism. Peter’s younger brother. Jesus calls both from their fishing business on the Sea of Galilee. Disciple of John the Baptist. Upon hearing him say of Jesus, Look, the Lamb of God!… leaves all to follow Him. Shares the discovery of the Messiah to his brother. Introduces Peter to Jesus.
We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth. – John 1:45
† PHILIP – Transformed: Questioning to Enlightened
Friendly, winsome. A staunch witness for Christ. Tells Nathanel about Jesus. To his skeptical response, Philip challenges him, Come and see. Together with Andrew, keeps band of diverse apostles united. His faith is deepened at the Last Supper when Jesus explains, He who has seen Me has seen the Father.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel! – John 1:49
† NATHANAEL – Transformed: Skeptical to Trusting
Also called Bartholomew. Straightforward, genuine. Jesus describes him as an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. Initially skeptical of Jesus’ origin. Amazed when Jesus shares, I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you. Becomes a true believer. Recognizes the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Davidic King.
‘Follow Me,’… and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him. – Luke 5:27-28
† MATTHEW – Transformed: Despised to Accepted
Hebrew name of Levi. Tax collector. Rejected by fellow Jews for his dishonest profession. Leaves his past behind. Jesus gives him a new name for his new mission, Matthew = gift of God. In his newfound joy, hosts a banquet for his tax collector friends to meet Jesus. Author of Gospel of Matthew, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
‘Stop doubting and believe’… ‘My Lord and my God!’ – John 20:27-28
† THOMAS – Transformed: Doubting to Believing
Greek name – Didymus, “the Twin”. Remembered as “Doubting Thomas”. Shows courage and loyalty to Jesus in the face of danger… Let us also go, that we may die with Him. Misunderstands Jesus’ mission. Despairs over losing Him. Initially doubts His resurrection. Upon seeing the risen Christ, his unbelief becomes heartfelt belief.
Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. – Matthew 16:24
† JAMES – Transformed: Unsung to Devoted
James the Younger. Son of Alphaeus. Obscure, unacclaimed apostle. Likely comes to know Jesus, learns devotion to Him through his mother Mary. She is one of the women who follows Jesus, who visits His tomb on Easter morning with Mary Magdalene.
Lord, why do You intend to show Yourself to us and not to the world?’ – John 14:22
† THADDAEUS – Transformed: Inquisitive to Faithful
Also called Judas (not Iscariot). Little-known, humble apostle. Thaddeus is Aramaic for “courageous heart”. Questions Jesus at the Last Supper. Wonders why He, the Messiah, does not reveal Himself in power to the world.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. – Romans 12:11
† SIMON THE ZEALOT – Transformed: Rebellious to Loyal
Political enthusiast. Abandons his nationalistic, political goals to follow Jesus. His passion and zeal are channeled into dynamic work for the kingdom.
Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil! – John 6:70
† JUDAS ISCARIOT – Untransformed: Deceitful to Traitorous
Prideful, greedy, driven by selfish ambition. Acts as treasurer of the apostles’ money. Regularly steals from the moneybag. His devious character is no surprise to Jesus. His inclusion as an apostle is part of the foreordained Master’s plan of salvation for all mankind. Remains unchanged after 3 years in the presence of Jesus. Has no heart for Christ. Conspires with the Chief Priests to betray Jesus for a mere 30 pieces of silver. After the resurrection, Matthias becomes the twelfth apostle.
† Eternal Takeaway – The apostles, and all believers, are transformed in the presence of Jesus †
