Twelve Ordinary Men, Part B - June 1st, 2025

Luke 6:12–13 KJV

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Introduction

——— OUTLINE REVIEW BEGIN ———

Title: "The Master's Men" - a study of the Twelve Apostles.

Main Idea: Jesus chose twelve ordinary men for an extraordinary mission.

CIT - Jesus deliberately chose twelve ordinary men to fulfill an extraordinary mission, demonstrating that God’s power is made perfect through the humble and unqualified, enabling them to accomplish great things for His kingdom.

Statement of Purpose -

Major Objective (MO): To inspire believers to trust that God can use their ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary things, just as He did with the Twelve Apostles. Specific Objective (SO): By the end of this message, the congregation will be challenged to submit themselves to God's calling, knowing that their weaknesses and limitations are not barriers to His work, but opportunities for His power to be displayed.

CPS -

Jesus calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things; it’s not our abilities but our availability to God’s power that transforms the world.

Context:

A. Jesus is feeling the hostility of the religious leaders, knowing His death is imminent.

B. It’s time to select His official representatives to continue His ministry after His departure.

C. Jesus doesn't choose the religious elite but ordinary, common men.

I. The Timing of the Selection (Luke 6:12)

A. “In those days” - Escalating Hostility

B. The Shadow of the Cross Looms

C. “Greater Works than These” Is on the Horizon

II. The Process of Selection (Luke 6:12-13)

Jesus spends the entire night in prayer, seeking the Father’s will.

The importance of prayer in significant moments in Jesus' ministry (Luke 5:16).

A. The Prayer Life of Jesus

B. A “Choosing” that Follows His “Calling”

C. The Identity of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:13-16)

III. The Twelve Apostles: Representatives of a New Spiritual Israel

A. The Receptive Apostles Replace the Rejecting Apostates

B. Their Future in the Millennium

1. The Millennial Kingdom

2. The Role of the Apostles

3. Judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel

4. The Connection to Israel’s Past

5. Their Eternal Significance

———OUTLINE REVIEW BREAK———

C. Their Calling and Training (Mark 3:14)

Explanation:

1. These men are first called to be disciples, learners, and followers of Christ before they are sent as Apostles (Mark 3:14).

Mark 3:14 KJV

14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

2. Jesus teaches and trains them, knowing their weaknesses and faults.

Jesus Models Ministry by Serving and Preaching to the Multitudes on the Plain (Luke 6:17-19)

Luke 6:17–19 KJV

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

The Marvelous Ministry of Jesus ~ John R. Rice

Notice that from far and near they came to hear the Saviour—from the Mediterranean coast around Tyre and Sidon, from Jerusalem all the way up to Galilee, and we suppose to Capernaum. Healing was a great part of His ministry. Devils were cast out. People came for blessing and got it. The fame of Jesus went everywhere. We can see that the carnal, natural man takes more to the healing ministry and material blessing than to spiritual preaching. But there ought to be a lesson for us in that the Spirit-filled man of God should have power for whatever is needed in the will of God.

3. The apostles yet lacked so much, but Jesus patiently taught and empowered them.

What Jesus did on the Plain that day was as much for the multitudes as it was for a model and an example to each of His apostles whom He had just selected to serve Him in the most prominent way.

a. Their Lack of Spiritual Understanding:

The Apostles often failed to grasp the deeper spiritual truths Jesus taught. Many times, Jesus would teach them a lesson or share a parable, only to find them confused and unable to comprehend its meaning. For example, in Mark 8:17-21, Jesus rebukes them for misunderstanding the significance of the miracle of the loaves, saying, "Do ye not yet understand?"

Mark 8:17–21 KJV

17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? 18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? 19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. 20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. 21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

They were spiritually dull, often focused on the physical aspects of Jesus' miracles rather than the spiritual lessons behind them. Despite this, Jesus continued to teach them patiently, repeating lessons, explaining parables, and providing further clarification.

b. Their Lack of Humility:

The disciples often displayed pride and self-centeredness. They argued among themselves about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (Mark 9:33-34).

Mark 9:33–34 KJV

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

James and John even requested special places of honor in the coming Kingdom, asking to sit on Jesus' right and left hands (Mark 10:35-37).

Mark 10:35–37 KJV

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

Despite their self-promotion, Jesus gently corrected them, teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in servanthood and humility. He set the ultimate example by washing their feet (John 13:3-17), demonstrating that leadership in His Kingdom is about humble service, not self-exaltation.

John 13:3–17 KJV

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

c. Their Lack of Faith:

On several occasions, the disciples were reprimanded for their weak faith. For example, when Jesus calmed the storm, He questioned their fear and lack of belief, saying, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26).

Matthew 8:26 KJV

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Even after witnessing countless miracles—feeding thousands, healing the sick, raising the dead—their faith would waver in times of personal trial or danger. Jesus consistently sought to build their faith, performing miracles not just for the crowds but also for the disciples, to strengthen their trust in Him as the Son of God.

d. Their Lack of Commitment:

The disciples followed Jesus enthusiastically when things were going well, but when faced with danger or difficulty, their commitment faltered. At the time of Jesus' arrest, they all fled (Mark 14:50), and Peter famously denied even knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62).

Mark 14:50 KJV

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

Luke 22:54–62 KJV

54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

However, Jesus did not cast them aside. He prayed for them, particularly for Peter, that his faith would not fail permanently (Luke 22:32).

Luke 22:32 KJV

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

After His resurrection, Jesus reinstated Peter, restoring his commitment and commissioning him to "feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17).

John 21:15–17 KJV

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

e. Their Lack of Power:

Before Pentecost, the disciples lacked the spiritual power to carry out Jesus' mission. Even when they attempted to cast out demons, they sometimes failed due to a lack of faith and spiritual authority (Mark 9:18).

Mark 9:18 KJV

18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

Jesus taught them that such power comes only through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).

Mark 9:29 KJV

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

After His ascension, He promised them the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Acts 1:8 KJV

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled them with divine power, transforming them from fearful men into bold preachers of the gospel.

Despite these deficiencies, Jesus did not give up on the Apostles. He patiently taught them, corrected their faults, and led them by example. Through His teaching, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and continued grace, these ordinary, flawed men became extraordinary instruments for spreading the gospel and establishing the church. Their transformation is a powerful reminder that God’s work is accomplished through His strength, not human perfection, so that He alone receives the glory.

Illustration:

Like common stones that Jesus would shape into diamonds, the Apostles had many weaknesses, but Jesus transformed them into powerful leaders. The Apostles were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—common and flawed, much like rough, unpolished stones. Their initial weaknesses made them seem unlikely candidates to lead a movement that would change the world. Yet, in the hands of Jesus, they were gradually shaped, refined, and transformed into pillars of the early church, much like how raw diamonds are carefully cut and polished to reveal their brilliance.

Their Rough Edges:

Each Apostle had significant personal flaws. Peter was impulsive, quick to speak without thinking, often failing to understand Jesus' teachings. Thomas was skeptical and unbelieving even the resurrection of Christ until he saw the wounds himself. James and John, known as the "Sons of Thunder," were ambitious and quick-tempered, once asking Jesus to call fire down from heaven on a Samaritan village (Luke 9:54).

Luke 9:54 KJV

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Judas, of course, betrayed Jesus for money. These men, full of imperfections, had rough, unrefined qualities that could have disqualified them from spiritual leadership in the eyes of the world.

The Shaping Process:

Jesus did not discard these men because of their flaws; instead, He chose them precisely because their transformation would showcase God's power. Over time, He carefully shaped them through teaching, correction, and by modeling humility and servanthood. His patience with their failures was part of their refinement. Jesus rebuked Peter for his impulsiveness (Matthew 16:23), corrected the disciples’ ambition by teaching them about true greatness through service (Mark 9:35), and addressed their lack of faith through miracles that increased their understanding and belief.

Matthew 16:23 KJV

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Mark 9:35 KJV

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Pressure That Transformed:

Just as diamonds are formed under intense pressure, the Apostles' true transformation came through the trials they faced. The pressure of persecution, opposition, and their failures ultimately molded them into the powerful leaders Christ intended them to be. Peter, who once denied Christ, would later stand boldly before crowds at Pentecost, preaching the gospel with authority and seeing thousands come to faith (Acts 2). Thomas, once skeptical, became a missionary who, according to tradition, took the gospel to India. Each Apostle, through hardship and trial, was refined, their weaknesses turned into strengths by the work of God in their lives.

The Polishing of the Holy Spirit:

The final stage in their transformation was the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Before that event, the Apostles were often weak and fearful, lacking the power to carry out the mission Christ had given them. But when the Holy Spirit filled them, they were empowered, not just with the ability to perform miracles, but with boldness, wisdom, and spiritual authority. The Spirit "polished" them, turning their once-rough edges into qualities that would glorify God. Through the Spirit's power, their weaknesses—whether it was Peter’s impulsiveness or Thomas’ doubt—became points of strength, as they learned to rely on divine wisdom rather than human understanding.

Their Final Brilliance:

By the time their mission was in full swing, the Apostles had been fully transformed into powerful leaders. Like diamonds, they shone with the brilliance of Christ’s work in them. They preached the gospel boldly, planted churches, wrote much of the New Testament, and their teachings and examples continue to influence the church to this day. Their lives became testimonies of God's transformative power. The very men who had once fled in fear during Christ’s arrest later faced martyrdom with courage, steadfast in their faith.

The Apostles' transformation is a testament to Jesus’ ability to take what is rough, weak, and flawed, and turn it into something valuable and strong for His purposes. Like common stones turned into diamonds, the Apostles' weaknesses were not obstacles but opportunities for God’s power to be revealed. Their lives encourage believers today that no matter how ordinary or flawed we may be, in the hands of Christ, we too can be shaped and polished into instruments for His glory.

D. Their Role in the Early Church (Eph. 2:20)

Explanation:

1. Apostles were foundational to the church (Ephesians 2:20).

Ephesians 2:20 KJV

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

2. They received divine revelation (Ephesians 3:5) and were sources of doctrine for the early church (Acts 2:42).

Ephesians 3:5 KJV

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Acts 2:42 KJV

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

3. They were given miracle power to confirm their message (2 Corinthians 12:12).

2 Corinthians 12:12 KJV

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

The last Apostle was John because he was the final living witness of the resurrected Christ, having been personally chosen and commissioned by Jesus Himself, like the other Apostles. The role of an Apostle, as established by Christ, was unique to the foundational period of the church, requiring direct, personal experience with the risen Lord (Acts 1:21-22) and a specific commissioning for ministry by Him.

Acts 1:21–22 KJV

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

John, as the last surviving Apostle, carried this unique authority, writing the final books of the New Testament under divine inspiration.

There are no modern-day "Apostles" like the original Twelve because their role was to lay the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20), establish doctrine, and serve as eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection. Once this foundation was laid and the New Testament canon was completed, the office of Apostle in this authoritative, foundational sense ceased. Modern believers continue the work of the Apostles by proclaiming the gospel, but the unique, foundational office is not passed on.

Conclusion

Encouragement:

A. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory.

B. If God could use the weak, flawed Apostles, He can use us.

Illustration:

The Apostles were men with defects and shortcomings, yet they changed the world through Christ's power working in and through them. They were far from "stained-glass saints" in the sense that we often think of them today—elevated figures depicted in art, flawless and serene, somehow distant from the struggles and realities of life. Rather, they were simple ordinary men with very real defects, fears, and doubts. Peter, despite his bold proclamations of loyalty, denied Jesus three times out of fear for his own safety. Thomas, though he had walked with Jesus for years, refused to believe in the resurrection until he could see the wounds of Christ with his own eyes. James and John, in their early zeal, were more concerned with power and prestige than servanthood, asking to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom. And yet, it was these very men—flawed, unsure, and often misunderstanding Jesus’ teachings—who would go on to be the foundation of the church.

Imagine for a moment a broken, chipped piece of pottery. It doesn’t seem to have much value, does it? It’s cracked, imperfect, and unable to hold anything without leaking. But in the hands of a skilled craftsman, that same broken vessel can be restored and transformed into something beautiful—filled with gold to highlight the very cracks that once marred it, which turns all of those imperfections into marks of beauty for the eye of the beholder. In Japanese pottery, I’m told this is known as kintsugi, where the fractures are repaired with precious metals. There’s no way to hide the flaws, but through Christ’s embrace, we with Him can celebrate those mended flaws as part of our journey with Christ, which, like a fingerprint, or a snowflake, for each of His followers is brandished in its own Spirit-led uniqueness.

This is what Christ did with the Apostles. He chose them not for their perfection but for what He saw He could accomplish in and through their potential, once yielded to the Holy Spirit. Through their failures, He taught them. Through their disbelief, He revealed His truth. Through their weaknesses, He displayed His power. And after His resurrection, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, these same men—once so hesitant and unsure—boldly preached the gospel, stood firm in the face of persecution, and ultimately turned the world upside down through a strength that came not from themselves, but from the God who empowered them.

Just as God used those cracked, imperfect vessels of the Apostles to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth, He too can use us in our weaknesses and imperfections to do extraordinary things for His glory. Like kintsugi pottery, the purified gold of His grace pours through our cracks to shine its brightest, and leaves an indelible reminder for all to see that it is His power, not our own, that changes the world.

Closing Prayer

Pray for humility and the willingness to be used by God despite our weaknesses, just as He used the Apostles.