Why did Jesus have disciples?
Here's the answer:
When Jesus lived on earth He began His teaching ministry by choosing 12 men to join Him.
These men, called disciples, spent time with Him, listened to Him, and followed Him. They became friends and enjoyed a close relationship. But why did Jesus ask these men to follow Him?
The first reason Jesus had disciples was because He was a rabbi (pronounced ra-bye). "Rabbi" means teacher. Jesus taught and led His disciples just like a teacher in a school does with his or her students. Jesus chose his disciples and spent time with them. The disciples saw how He lived, what He did, and what He said—and they learned from Him. He was preparing them for the time when He would leave this earth and they would carry on His work.
The second reason Jesus had disciples was because He commanded them to make more disciples. Over the time Jesus was with His disciples, He led them so they could follow His example. Jesus wanted them to do what He had done for three years: teach and lead others and tell them about God.
What Jesus began long ago with just 12 men continues to this day, because His disciples obeyed His command to teach others. Today, we show we’re His disciples by obeying His commands and telling others about Him so they can know Him and spend eternity with Him.
Bible Truth
"One day Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. There he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the lake. They were fishermen. 'Come. Follow me,' Jesus said. 'I will make you fishers of people'" (Mark 1:16–17).
"So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end" (Matthew 28:19–20).
