The Parallels Between Jesus and the Disciples
The Bible records parallels in the ministry of Jesus and those of the twelve disciples. These parallels are seen in the following points:
First- The Savior and the apostles preached the message of the coming kingdom of heaven:
Matthew 4:17 – “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 10:5-8 – “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Second- The Savior gave the 12 apostles the power to do miracles of healings and casting out devils:
Matthew 4:24 – “News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.”
Matthew 10:1 – The Savior called his twelve apostle to him and “gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
The church today has a similar calling to that of the apostolic church (1 Peter 2:9). Christ calls his end time church to follow in His steps. Peter wrote, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
As priests, Christians are to give to God the “spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5); they also give themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), a body of believers fully devoted to God. They need no human priest serving as mediator between them and God, for there is but one Mediator between God and man, Christ (Hebrews 7:17, 7:24–28; ch. 4:16). By a Christlike personality and the compassion of Christlike acts believers are to show God to the world (2 Corinthians 2:14–16).
Christ has provided the master pattern for the patient and faithful ministry to the lost world that His servants must carry on. All who acknowledge God as their Lord are commissioned to bear witness to Him and tell of His good news of salvation. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD” (Isaiah 43:10).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
