Blog Post #7: Discipleship


What are some new things that you learned about the original disciples from the group projects? (Be specific).

From the group projects, I have noticed several patterns amongst the disciples. Most of them were born in Galelli except for Judas who was from Judah, and all had simple lives and occupations. They were tax collectors, tradesmen fishermen, missionaries, and carpenters. Many of them had alternative names, like St. Peter who was originally Simon but Jesus named him Peter meaning rock, as he was the foundation of the Church. Another example is St. Bartholomew, who is known as Nathanial, "Son of Tolomai" and "Son of the Furrows." Judas was called "A man of Kenoth" and St. Jude was "Brother of God." Besides their names, many had similar deaths as they were all martyred except for St. John. Overall, the disciples all lived simple lives and were not perfect, they sinned and doubted Jesus at times, but at one point they all dedicated their lives to God and Jesus.
Which disciple did you find most interesting and why?

St. Peter had a very interesting life and I think there is a lot of cool symbolism in his life. Like most, he was a fisherman before becoming a disciple, which is interesting to think how he would "fish" "man" to become followers of Jesus. This connects directly with the fact that he was the first pope, as the pope is supposed to teach and bring in people to learn about Jesus. On top of that, Jesus named him Peter because as pope he is the foundation of the Chruch, and Peter meant to rock. He is also notable for denying Jesus three times, but then after confesses that he loved Jesus three times. His action shows how he asked for forgiveness and how no matter how evil an action can be there is always a second chance with Jesus.

Based on what you learned, what are the characteristics of people who follow Jesus?

The disciples of Jesus are not divine humans who never sin, in fact, they have committed sins right in front of Jesus, like St. Peter betraying him three times and Judas who betrayed Jesus for 20 silver coins. Also, St. Matthew who was a tax collector (known to be deceitful), and St. Thomas who doubted Jesus. Most of the disciples doubted Jesus at one point because to be his follower it takes serious faith. The disciples had real emotions and did fear for their lives at one point because of their faith, but in Jesus, they found courage and security. In the end of their lives, all firmly believed in him as most were killed while teaching about Jesus or reading the Gospel to others. They were all simple people who worked as fisherman, tradesmen, carpenters or missionaries before becoming a disciple and dedicating their lives to Jesus.


Do you feel that you display any of these characteristics (for example, standing up for something that you strongly believe in)? Why or why not?
To some extent, I feel that I do stand up for things I strongly believe in. However, it is easy to just not say anything an keep my thoughts to myself yourself when I am in a situation that might be inappropriate or conflicting to bring up. I still sin like lying, doubting my faith at times and gossiping, all things humans do that are hard to stop. Like the disciples, I want to learn as much as I can about my faith and have complete trust in Jesus. I always want to improve myself and be a better person, but sometimes fear gets in the way. Fear of embarrassment and failure can drive many people, including myself to lie and sin. Overall I feel that having good intentions and being open to completely trust in God and Jesus is what can make us closer to displaying the good characteristics of disciples.



( “ The Disciples Series: 12 Men That Followed Jesus.”)

This photo depicts the 12 disciples with St. Peter in the center. What is interesting about this image is that they all have halos except for Judas, the only disciple who was not a Saint. I love this photo because of the light shining on them and how it makes them look enlightened and seeing God, except for Judas. Judas has less light on him and is reading a book, looking down like he hasn't seen God and either doesn't believe in him or doesn't completely trust him.


Work Cited

“ The Disciples Series: 12 Men That Followed Jesus.”
              Https://i0.Wp.com/Heinspiredme.com/Wp-Content/Uploads/2015/10/12-Disciples.jpg,                              i0.wp.com/heinspiredme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/12-disciples.jpg.

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