Christ chose those who would be his disciples.  It is interesting to examine what He did.

He did not look for men who might have been considered most qualified by religious notions or standards of the day, experts in the Law or qualified and experienced teachers.  Instead, He pulled his group from common laborers such as fishermen. 

His band of disciples lived with and learned from Jesus until He went to the cross.   Rather than evaluating the "qualifications" and experience, Jesus looked for what these men would become.  He saw in them the future leaders of his church, which would have the responsibility of discipleship to all nations.

Now, in our modern day of abundant resources for studying, discipleship takes on many forms other than studying with and living with the Master.  Yet the purpose remains the same –  to follow Christ and become increasingly like him.

It is a lifelong process, too. 

Jesus spent approximately three to three and one-half years living with and teaching his chosen disciples.  As he prepared to return to the Heavenly Father, he promised them on-going support and teaching.  We read in John 14 of this promise to provide his Holy Spirit (Counselor), just as he would then promise to always be with them as we cited from Matthew 28:20 on page 2, "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

With these promises Jesus deployed his disciples into the world, to make disciples. 

Blessings and many thanks,

Larry