Simon was known as “the Zealot.” More than just being zealous, he was a member of a political faction known for being  ultra-conservative and very militaristic. They were considered radicals. Being known as a Zealot was not considered a compliment. Yet even though Simon was fired up for God and Country, and for his cause, he […]

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We know very little about James the Less apart from his name.  But his name tells us quite a bit.  He was probably smaller than the other disciples, possibly younger, likely to stay in the background.  But he was also one of twelve men that Jesus chose to change the world.  In this message, Pastor Mike explores more about […]

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The disciples were disillusioned and disappointed after Jesus’ death, until the resurrected Jesus appeared to them and encouraged them.  Thomas, however, missed that meeting. In fact, he is often known as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted their testimony.  In this message Pastor Mike looks at the account from John 20:19-29 to uncover the cause of […]

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Matthew was a tax collector, which made him very unpopular with the Jewish people. But Jesus saw value in Matthew and called him to follow. Matthew responded to the call and brought his friends – mostly tax collectors and “sinners” – to Jesus.  When the religious leaders of the day criticized Jesus for associating with […]

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Many people claim that as long as you are sincere in your beliefs you will be okay. But in reality, you can be sincere, but be sincerely wrong. Nathanael was sincerely wrong. He had studied the scriptures and the prophecies about the Messiah, but his prejudices almost caused him to miss the Messiah’s call to follow. Through this […]

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Thomas is known for his initial doubt of Jesus’ resurrection, but Philip had a habit of questioning what Jesus could do.  He was probably pragmatic and pessimistic, a “bean-counter.” Throughout the book of John, we see Philip’s divine encounter with Christ, his doubtful expression of what God could do, and his disappointing exclamation about what Jesus […]

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The deaths of Jesus’ disciples provides a powerful testimony to the truth of their message.  Not all scholars agree on the details of some of the ways the disciples died, but they agree on the reason for their deaths: They were unwavering and unrelenting in their claim to have seen Christ die and to have […]

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The apostle John was probably the youngest of the disciples, possibly still a boy. In his youth, he was zealous and sometimes acted rashly. But John aged well. As he matured, he didn’t become bitter, he became better. The whole teaching of love by John is vibrant, with the deep heart-knowledge of one who has explored […]

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James was not well-known in scripture.  When he is mentioned, he is always paired with his brother John.  John was the disciple whom Jesus loved.  James may have been the disciple who loved Jesus. He was passionate, but Jesus helped him direct his zeal and become a driving force for the gospel.  

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Andrew was included in the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples along with Peter, his brother, and John.  Andrew’s name means “manly.”  His life and testimony show us what a real man is.   Real men love Jesus. Real men bring others to Jesus. Real men live for Jesus.  Andrew didn’t seek the spotlight.  He served […]

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