Jesus' Small Group

In the early days of his ministry Jesus attracted attention because he healed many and his message was unique and powerful. However, his goal wasn't to draw a crowd but to build a church. To establish the kingdom of God he focused his efforts on a core group of faithful followers who eventually would pass along his message to others. What do we know about Jesus' small group?

He knew the group well. He even gave some of his apostles nicknames: James and John were the "sons of thunder" and Simon he called Peter, "the rock." Simon the Zealot's nickname suggests he held views that put him at odds with Matthew the tax collector. Others, like Bartholomew and James the son of Alphaeus, stayed in the background. There was a fellow famous for his doubts (Thomas) and another known for his betrayal (Judas). Yet with all their personality differences and although some of them could be labeled "EGRs" (Extra Grace Required), Jesus knew and loved the members of his group.

He made it a priority to spend time with them. Jesus selected these men "that they might be with him" (Mark 3:14). Some lessons are taught; others are "caught" by rubbing shoulders in the give-and-take of daily life.

He instructed them. Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds, but in private he provided further explanation. "When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables" (Mark 4:10). The small group provided an ideal environment for answering questions and clarifying difficult concepts.

His goal wasn't to draw a crowd but to build a church.

He prayed for them. Jesus selected the apostles after he "spent the night praying to God" (Luke 6:12). The small group provided a safe setting for them to learn more about prayer, and they asked him, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). When Jesus foresaw that Simon Peter was going to endure a spiritual attack, he offered reassurance: "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail" (Luke 22:32).

He assigned them responsibilities. "He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick" (Luke 9:1, 2). Students learn by doing, so the Master Teacher gave them jobs to do and then called them back together to review their progress.

He confronted and challenged them. The members of Jesus' small group didn't always get along. On one occasion Peter even rebuked Jesus, drawing the Lord's own stern rebuke in response (Mark 8:32, 33). The solemn dignity of the Last Supper was disrupted when the diners argued about which of them should be considered the greatest. Patient but firm, Jesus turned their quarrel into a teaching opportunity about servant leadership (Luke 22:24-27).

He shared some of his own burdens with them. He told them, "You are those who have stood by me in my trials" (Luke 22:28). Imperfect but loyal, members of Jesus' small group became his closest friends. Some of them accompanied him to Gethsemane where they slept while he prayed in agony.

He sent them to carry on the work. After his death and resurrection, Jesus gave his small group a big job: making disciples of all nations. Following the pattern they had learned from Jesus, they not only preached to the crowds; they also gathered people in small groups for teaching, prayer, and mutual burden-bearing. They carried out the Lord's instructions so well that 2,000 years later we are Christians today because of their faithfulness.

Now it's our turn.