Jesus and His Disciples

Throughout His ministry, Jesus not only preached about God’s Kingdom but also demonstrated the qualities that His followers should embody. His interactions with His disciples, as well as the lessons He taught them, offer us profound insights into the values of His Kingdom. These stories reveal the importance of serving others, being humble, and shining as light in a dark world.

1. Two by Two (Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-16)

Jesus was determined to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom to as many people as possible. He knew that the mission could not be accomplished by Himself alone, so He sent out His disciples in pairs to share the message. He instructed them to go light, without excess baggage, and to stay in the homes of those who welcomed them. Jesus also gave them His power to heal the sick and cast out evil spirits, telling them, “Freely you have received; freely give.”

Despite initial fears, the disciples returned with great excitement, amazed at the authority they had in Jesus’ name. They even marveled that evil spirits obeyed them! Jesus rejoiced with them, but reminded them that the true joy should come from knowing that their names were written in heaven, and that they belonged to God forever.

This moment in the disciples’ journey illustrates that serving God requires faith and humility. When we go out to share the good news of His Kingdom, we must do so with the understanding that it is not about personal glory, but about bringing others to God. Jesus empowered His disciples to share the love and power of God, and He calls us to do the same in our communities.

2. Who is the Most Important? (Mark 9:33-37)

As Jesus and His disciples walked along a dusty road, the disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest. This was a moment of pride and ambition, with each disciple hoping to secure the highest position in Jesus’ coming Kingdom. When they arrived at their destination, Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”

There was silence, as they were ashamed to admit their pride. Jesus, knowing their hearts, sat down and called the twelve to Him. He explained that in His Kingdom, greatness is not about power or status, but about serving others. He took a child and placed the child in the middle of them, saying, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

In Jesus’ eyes, greatness is found in humility and service. This teaching would have shocked the disciples, who were used to worldly notions of power and authority. Jesus was teaching them—and us—that true greatness comes from a heart of love, humility, and a willingness to serve others without expecting recognition.

3. Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)

As part of His teaching to His followers, Jesus spoke about the importance of living as salt and light in the world. He explained, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Salt is a preservative, keeping things fresh and wholesome, and it adds flavor to food. In the same way, Jesus’ followers are called to preserve the moral integrity of society and to bring out the best in the world around them.

He also described His followers as light, shining in the darkness. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, Jesus calls His followers to stand out, to let their light shine, and to help others find their way to God. By living lives of integrity, kindness, and love, we reflect God’s love to those around us and guide them toward the truth of His Kingdom.

Jesus teaches that our actions and attitudes should never be hidden. We should live with such visible faith that it influences the world around us. Our integrity, joy, and kindness should be like light in a dark world, illuminating the truth and love of God to those who are struggling or lost.

In these stories, we see the essence of what it means to follow Jesus: to serve humbly, to spread His message of love, and to be a visible light in the world. Whether Jesus is sending His disciples out in pairs, teaching them about true greatness, or reminding them of their calling to be salt and light, He is shaping them into the people who will bring His Kingdom to the world. As His followers today, we are called to the same mission—to live lives of humility, service, and shining faith that draw others to the love of God.