How Jesus Trains His Disciples. (Luke 6:12-19)

Many years ago, a man named A.B. Bruce authored a book titled "The Training of the Twelve," which was an in-depth study of how Jesus trained His 12 disciples. To truly do justice to this subject, one would need to write a book, considering the wealth of material found in the four Gospels that reflects how Jesus trained His 12 disciples.

It seems that, in one way or another, many of us, perhaps all of us, are in the training business. Parents train their children, or at least they should. Pastors equip the saints, and older women and men are often involved in mentoring their younger friends. All of us have an impact, for better or worse, on other people. Hence, it may be worthwhile to devote some attention to how Jesus impacted the 12 and how He trained them. Perhaps we can glean insights on how to apply some of those principles in our own lives.

Let's turn to Luke chapter 6, and I'll begin reading from verse 12. 

The Twelve Apostles

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

(Luke 6: 12-16)

The passage revolves around Jesus calling the apostles, and this sets the central theme. Let's break it down from the beginning.

Firstly, it says, "It came to pass in those days that he went out to a mountain to pray." This was a habitual practice for Jesus. In fact, someone noted that one of the most striking characteristics of Jesus as a man was his commitment to prayer. 

Mark sets out his picture of Jesus in the first chapter of his account by telling us.

"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, he went out and departed to a solitary place, and there prayed."

(Mark 1: 35)

Jesus consistently started his day early, spending solitary moments in prayer. I try and make it a habit to rise at 6:15 every morning, (News and get up) I pretty much do that although I must admit in December and early January I don’t always do that as the sun doesn’t rise until after 8.00-8.30 am where I live at that time of year, and it’s cold and the cost of energy and trying to live within a budgets means I don’t like to put the heat to come on until at least 7:15.

I find the early morning to be the best time for personal reflection and communion with God and the best time to finalise my notes before I record my daily podcast.

Back to the text. 

First it simply says, ‘Now it came to pass in those days that he went out to a mountain to pray’. 

Luke 6:12 states that Jesus often engaged in the practice of prayer, but on this occasion, it mentions a unique event where he went to a mountain and spent the entire night in prayer to God. 

This special time of prayer it seemed preceded a significant decision: the selection of the 12 apostles. It is interesting to consider how Jesus, in training the 12, started by choosing them and he did that by seeking God's guidance through prayer.

In a broader church context, as someone involved in church leadership, I have been involved in interviewing people for service and leadership roles, or maybe just even for baptism. This too demands careful consideration and prayer. In my recent experiences, In the past I have also approached different individuals in the church to take on certain responsibilities, and I've prayed for wisdom to make the right choices.

Returning to Luke 6:13, we see that Jesus called his disciples and chose 12, designating them as apostles. It's worth noting that he had many disciples, indicating a broader group of learners or apprentices. The term "disciple" resonates more deeply than "student" because it suggests a closer attachment to the teacher, which aligns with the discipleship concept in the ancient world. The word "apostle," meaning one who is sent out, emphasizes not only representation but also authority.

Jesus engaged in teaching; people gathered around him to learn. From this larger group of apprentices, he selected 12 men to be his apostles/ambassadors, those he would send out with authority as his representatives. The transition went from being a disciple/apprentice to becoming an apostle/ambassador, emphasizing both learning and being sent out.

This pattern has a clear application for believers. First, one becomes a believer by trusting in Jesus Christ for eternal life. Following that, they enter a phase of learning, becoming disciples, students, and apprentices. Finally, they are sent out to represent the Lord. This pattern aligns with Jesus' approach in selecting and sending out the 12.

The subsequent verses name the disciples, and some observations can be made from the various lists of names we find in the New Testament.

Peter is consistently listed first, possibly indicating his leadership among the disciples. The rest of the order of the names don't always match up, in different passages. Notably, however, Judas is always listed last, with Luke specifying that he would later become the betrayer.

While there is limited information about most of the disciples, it's evident that they were ordinary people. Seven were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and the others' backgrounds are not explicitly mentioned. This leads to the conclusion that Jesus intentionally chose ordinary individuals, not necessarily wealthy, influential, or famous. God takes delight in using ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

Mark 3:14 provides additional insight into Jesus' purpose in choosing the 12. Mark states that Jesus appointed them "that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach." This reveals that before being sent out, Jesus prioritized their training, emphasizing the importance of being with him. This training period aimed to prepare them for the mission ahead.

And his primary call is to ‘follow me’.

When Jesus called his apprentices/disciples to "follow him," 

It meant more than just a spiritual commitment; it involved a literal following on a journey from Galilee to Jerusalem and beyond. Jesus wanted them to accompany him physically as he moved around the country. This act of physically being with him had a purpose, and it wasn't to conduct seminars or give lectures. Instead, Jesus taught by spending time with them, being an example, and demonstrating a new way of life, their new mission, if you like.

While prayer was certainly crucial, being physically present with those being trained was essential. The disciples were to follow Jesus around so that he could serve as an example for them. Later, Peter, who had experienced this firsthand, referred to Jesus as an example for believers.

The objection that Jesus is not physically present today and cannot be followed around is addressed by considering the shift in terminology. The term "disciple" appears in the Gospels and Acts but is not used in the epistles. However, the concept of learning remains, using a different Greek word. Learning in the epistles occurs within the context of a spiritual community, namely, the church.

In the church, learning involves bible study, teaching, with pastors meant to serve as teachers rather than mere motivational speakers.

Additionally, learning is facilitated through imitation, as all learning ultimately boils down to imitation.

The Christian community provides examples for believers to follow, and this principle is evident in various passages, such as when Paul says, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Therefore, the process of growth to Christ-like maturity occurs within the context of a Christian community, were teaching and imitation play crucial roles.

In first Corinthians Chapter 11 and sometimes translated imitate me just as I also imitate Christ. Now that's one passage it's in galatians 412 second testimonianze 3 philippians 3 philippians 4 Hebrews 13 and third John verse 11 it's all over the place that we have examples to follow. As a matter of fact first Peter chapter 5 says the elders are to be examples that's the whole point and that doesn't mean these people are perfect in the Philippine chapter 3 Paul acknowledges that he's not yet arrived any turns right around in the same passage that said but follow me anyway as I bold price and not all human not anybody follows Christ perfectly but as in so much as they follow Christ that you imitate so Jesus trained the 12 by praying and by being an example and I submit to you that we have our greatest impact on people by praying for them and being an example to them.

I submit to you that we have our greatest impact on people is twofold, by praying for them and being an example to them.

Now, if the objective is to be an example, what is Jesus an example of?

 A closer examination of the life of Christ reveals that he did more than just teach. In the subsequent verses (starting from verse 17), it is evident that Jesus went down from the mountain, stood on a level place, and a vast multitude came to hear him and to be healed. The narrative emphasizes healing and ministering to people as integral aspects of Jesus' example.

Jesus Heals a Great Multitude.

17: And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18: as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19: And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

(Luke 6: 17-19)

Verse 17 highlights the diverse audience: the apostles, a larger group of disciples, and an even larger multitude from various regions. The impact was significant, with people coming not only to hear Jesus but also to experience healing and relief from tormenting unclean spirits.

Therefore, Jesus was an example by actively engaging in ministering to people. He demonstrated compassion, care, and a hands-on approach to meeting the needs of those around him. The emphasis on healing underscores the practical and tangible ways in which Jesus expressed his love and concern for others. 

This approach stands as a model for believers to follow, emphasizing not only the communication of truth but also the demonstration of love through acts of kindness and service to others.

In essence, Jesus showed that being an example involves more than just words; it requires action and a genuine concern for the well-being of those we encounter. This principle has profound implications for how Christians are to impact the world around them, following Jesus' example of ministering to people's needs and bringing healing to their lives.

Now while teaching is indeed a vital aspect of Christ's ministry, it's noteworthy that Luke places particular emphasis on the initial and prominent action of Jesus: ministering to people.

This observation is crucial because, in the subsequent verses, Jesus is extensively portrayed as a teacher. However, the primary and initial focus is on his compassionate ministry to the crowds. People came to him not just to hear his teachings but, more significantly, to be healed by him. This underscores the compassionate and practical dimension of Jesus' ministry. It wasn't just about imparting knowledge but meeting tangible needs.

It's important to highlight a common characteristic of Jesus' ministry: healing people. Healing was a distinctive feature of his compassionate response to the suffering and ailments of those who sought him. This aligns with the Gospel accounts, where Jesus frequently healed the sick, demonstrating his divine authority and genuine care for people's well-being.

The motivation behind Jesus' healing ministry is also illustrated in Matthew 14:14, where it is explicitly stated that Jesus was, ‘moved with compassion’, for the crowds and healed the sick. Compassion was a driving force in Jesus' actions, emphasizing the deep empathy he felt toward those in need.

Therefore, while teaching is undoubtedly significant, the foundational aspect of Jesus' ministry, as highlighted by Luke, is his compassionate which is demonstrated by having a healing response to the physical and emotional pains that people in the world have. 

This resonates with the call for believers to copy Jesus' example by being compassionate and actively ministering to the needs of others. It's through such compassionate actions that the impact goes beyond mere words, leaving a lasting impression on those we encounter.

Our example can have a greater impact than we can ever imagine. I think praying and doing works of compassion together has a greater impact that just meeting together and on a Sunday morning.

Yes, it’s also about being together, and praying, and worshipping, and listening to messages or doing bible study together but it is also about being an example of ministering and serving other people.

So, to sum it all up Jesus trained the disciples by praying for them and giving them an example of ministering to other people and the bottom line is we learn best by example.

Here's the truth I want you to never forget, the truth is more caught than taught and that's the bottom line. 

Jesus personally trained 12 individual people, he did not set up an organisation the totality of his administrative machinery was zero, he just took 12 average men (he preferred to work through ordinary people). He did not write a book at (although books would later be written about him) The disciple had no manual they could carry around or print and sell copies, rather he said just come be with me and watch me. And as I go around and out of compassion meet the physical needs of others, you watch and learn and do the same.

So, Jesus called his disciples to be an apprentice with him and he trained them by example in teaching so they could be ambassadors for him, be example of what God is really like.

God wants us to be free sample of Jesus, as we go around, we are meant to mimic who he was and what he did, free samples of what it is like to know and experience God. God grant us the grace to be samples.