All the Times Jesus Called Disciples in the Chosen

Summary

The transcript follows a pivotal moment where Jesus calls various individuals, including Simon, James, John, and Matthew, to follow Him. Despite their doubts, fears, and sins, they answer His call, leaving behind their old lives. Through their conversations, we witness themes of faith, redemption, and the transformative power of belief. The story highlights the tension between the divine and human struggle for understanding, as well as Jesus' growing influence as He performs miracles and begins to reveal His true purpose, preparing His disciples for a new way of life.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Simon expresses his doubts and guilt, feeling unworthy, but is reassured by Jesus.
• 👣 Jesus calls Simon, James, and John to follow Him, marking the beginning of their discipleship.
• 💡 There is discussion about why Jesus, as a rabbi, chooses his followers rather than being chosen by students, which is seen as unusual.
• 🏗️ Thaddius shares a story about meeting Jesus on a construction job, highlighting Jesus’ humble background as a craftsman.
• 🔄 Jesus speaks about building a kingdom not of stone, suggesting a spiritual rather than physical foundation.
• 💧 Jesus performs a miracle at the wedding in Cana by turning water into wine, demonstrating His power to Thomas.
• 📊 Matthew, a tax collector, is called by Jesus to follow Him, despite objections from others who criticize Matthew's past.
• 💼 Matthew struggles with the decision to leave his comfortable life as a tax collector to follow Jesus but chooses to do so.
• 🌿 Nathaniel is astonished when Jesus reveals intimate knowledge about him, calling him a 'true Israelite' and confirming His divine insight.
• ⚔️ Jesus emphasizes to Simon the importance of understanding His mission, which is spiritual and not bound to physical weapons or violence.

Q & A

Who is the 'baptizer' mentioned at the start of the script?

The 'baptizer' refers to John the Baptist, a central figure who baptized people, including Jesus, as a symbol of repentance and preparation for the coming of God's kingdom.

Why does Simon call himself a 'sinful man' and ask Jesus to depart from him?

Simon feels unworthy in the presence of Jesus due to his awareness of his own sins. This is a common reaction when people encounter a holy figure, expressing humility and recognition of their imperfections.

Why is Simon's catch of fish considered miraculous?

The large catch of fish is seen as a miracle because it happens in a moment of apparent impossibility, symbolizing Jesus' divine power and the faith of those who follow him.

What does Jesus mean when he says, 'I will show you a new way to count and measure' to Thomas?

Jesus is telling Thomas that there is a different, spiritual way of understanding life that goes beyond the material world of counting and measuring, focusing instead on faith and divine purpose.

Why does Matthew express surprise when Jesus calls him to follow?

Matthew is surprised because he is a tax collector, a profession despised by many, and he feels unworthy. In Jewish tradition, it was unusual for rabbis to choose their disciples; disciples typically sought out rabbis, making Jesus' call unconventional.

What is the significance of the 'stone jars' in the scene with the wedding at Cana?

The stone jars are used for purification rites in Jewish tradition. They symbolize purity, and Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine in these jars shows his authority to transform not just physical elements but also spiritual traditions.

Why does Jesus say, 'Get used to different' when responding to Simon's concerns about choosing Matthew?

Jesus is emphasizing that his mission and ministry do not follow conventional expectations. His choice of followers, including sinners like tax collectors, reflects the inclusive and transformative nature of his message.

What is Nathaniel's significance in the script, and why does Jesus call him a 'true Israelite'?

Nathaniel is recognized as someone who is honest and sincere. Jesus calls him a 'true Israelite' to affirm that Nathaniel has no deceit in him, contrasting him with Jacob, the biblical figure who was known for deception but later transformed into a faithful servant of God.

What does Jesus mean by, 'I have known you long before Philip called you' when speaking to Nathaniel?

Jesus is revealing his divine knowledge of Nathaniel's life, indicating that he saw Nathaniel during his lowest moment, even though they had never met before. This demonstrates Jesus' omniscience and ability to know people's hearts and struggles.

What is the purpose of Simon's interaction with Jesus at the end regarding his 'secret dagger'?

The scene highlights Simon's readiness to fight for Jesus, but Jesus indicates that his mission is different from what Simon expects. Jesus values spiritual transformation over physical force, suggesting that Simon will need to adjust his understanding of what it means to serve Jesus.