One of the most striking features of the first disciple group was the diversity of character it contained. It was an amazing synthesis of humanly irreconcilable elements. Isaiah's vision of the wolf and the lamb dwelling together was surely near fulfillment when Simon the zealot the fiery nationalist, went arm in arm with Matthew, the tax gatherer and publican! Only one thing could explain that strange union: They had each found Jesus.

Here was Peter, all energy and activity and impetuosity; and here was John, meditative and thoughtful and prayerful. That difference, too, was transcended: They had each found Jesus.

Here was Andrew, a man of shining, untroubled faith; and here was Thomas, with constitutional melancholy haunting him. They, too, were one now: They had each found Jesus. The very composition of that first group of twelve is a mighty witness to the universality of Christ … Living with him every day, watching him in all kinds of situations, listening to his private talk, being admitted to his dreams and aspirations and hopes, they would end by sharing his very spirit, would gradually come to see things with his eyes and understand with his wonderfully understanding heart, and be fired with his own authentic fire.

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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