7.2 Stories of Disciples

🔹 Story 1: Jesus Called the First Disciples

Main Characters: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Jesus
Story Summary: Jesus called fishermen to follow Him, promising to make them “fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Key Verses: Matthew 4:18–22; Luke 5:1–11
Theme Connection: Discipleship begins with a call and a radical response of surrender and trust.

🔹 Story 2: The Twelve Were Sent Out to Minister

Main Characters: The twelve disciples, Jesus
Story Summary: Jesus gave His disciples authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. He sent them out in pairs with minimal supplies, teaching them dependence and mission.
Key Verses: Matthew 10:1–20; Mark 6:7–13
Theme Connection: Disciples are not only followers—they are sent ones, empowered for mission and service.

🔹 Story 3: Peter Walked on Water

Main Characters: Peter, Jesus, other disciples
Story Summary: When Jesus walked on the sea, Peter asked to join Him. He walked on water briefly but began to sink when he doubted. Jesus rescued him.
Key Verses: Matthew 14:22–33
Theme Connection: Disciples experience both bold faith and moments of fear—Jesus strengthens them through it all.

🔹 Story 4: Disciples Failed to Understand the Cross

Main Characters: Jesus, Peter, the twelve
Story Summary: Jesus told His disciples He would suffer and die, but they did not understand. Peter even tried to stop Him and was rebuked sharply.
Key Verses: Matthew 16:21–23
Theme Connection: Discipleship involves learning to let go of human expectations and embrace God’s deeper plan.

🔹 Story 5: The Disciples Slept in Gethsemane

Main Characters: Jesus, Peter, James, John
Story Summary: On the night of His arrest, Jesus asked His closest disciples to stay awake and pray. Instead, they kept falling asleep in His hour of agony.
Key Verses: Matthew 26:36–46
Theme Connection: Disciples struggle with weakness, but Jesus remains patient, teaching and restoring.

🔹 Story 6: Peter Denied Jesus and Was Restored

Main Characters: Peter, Jesus, servant girl
Story Summary: Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus gently restored him and reaffirmed his calling.
Key Verses: Luke 22:54–62; John 21:15–19
Theme Connection: Disciples may fail, but grace restores and recommissions them for greater service.

🔹 Story 7: Thomas Doubted, Then Believed

Main Characters: Thomas, Jesus, other disciples
Story Summary: Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection without proof. Jesus appeared to him, inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas responded with deep faith.
Key Verses: John 20:24–29
Theme Connection: Honest doubts can lead to strong faith when disciples encounter the risen Christ.

🔹 Story 8: The Road to Emmaus – Eyes Opened

Main Characters: Two disciples, Jesus
Story Summary: After the resurrection, two disciples walked with a stranger who explained the Scriptures. Their hearts burned as He spoke—only later did they realize it was Jesus.
Key Verses: Luke 24:13–35
Theme Connection: Disciples grow in faith as they walk with Jesus and let Scripture open their eyes.

🔹 Story 9: The Great Commission

Main Characters: Jesus, the eleven disciples
Story Summary: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to go make more disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching in His name.
Key Verses: Matthew 28:16–20
Theme Connection: Disciples are called not just to follow—but to multiply by making other disciples.

🔹 Story 10: The Disciples Waited in Unity and Received Power

Main Characters: Disciples, Holy Spirit
Story Summary: After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples prayed together in one accord. On Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly began their mission.
Key Verses: Acts 1–2
Theme Connection: Disciples are empowered by the Spirit to continue Christ’s mission with boldness and unity.

🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme

  • Matthew 4:18–22
  • Luke 14:26–33
  • John 8:31
  • Matthew 28:18–20
  • John 15:5–8
  • Luke 6:12–16
  • Acts 2:42–47
  • John 13:34–35
  • Mark 8:34–35
  • 2 Timothy 2:2