3. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus chooses and sends out his 12 apostles to continue to share the good news of God’s love and power.
The word apostle comes from the Greek word originally meaning, “messenger.” These twelve men were Jesus’ disciples or followers during his ministry. He asks these trusted men to go and teach others about him. Jesus wanted them to spread the good news of his love and to heal the sick and help the hurting in his name.
Use this story to tell your child that Jesus asks us to do the same today. We are his messengers when we share his love with others. God has great plans for each one of us to be his messengers. When we grow in friendship with him, we will begin to better understand his plans for us.
Related verse – Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We hope that these stories and verses will help your family through this time of reflection. Will your family observe Lent this year? What Bible stories or passages will you use to guide your child toward the cross?
