3.4.8.8 Jesus and His Apostles

In order to spread the gospel, Jesus selected twelve Apostles from the ranks of His disciples (Luke 6: 12-16; Mark 3: 14). They were His closest followers, and He had a special relationship of trust with them. When the other disciples left Him because they did not understand Him, the Apostles remained with Him and professed that He is the Christ.

To them He gave an example of humble service when He washed their feet (John 13: 4 et seq.) Only the Twelve were with Him when He instituted Holy Communion (Luke 22: 14 et seq.). His farewell discourses were directed at them (John 13-16). It was to them that He promised the Holy Spirit. He let them know that He would be returning to the Father. He gave them the promise of His return. In His intercessory prayer He interceded for them and for those who would come to believe through their word (John 17). He sanctified Himself for them so that they too could "be sanctified by the truth" (verse 19).

It was also to them that He showed Himself repeatedly after His resurrection (Acts 1: 2-3), and it was to them that He gave the great commission before His ascension.

SUMMARY

In figurative speech, namely parables, Jesus talked about essential elements of His doctrine, and thereby opened up the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. The parables of Jesus revolve around His return and describe how to prepare for it. (3.4.8.6)

In the images of the gospel of John, Jesus reveals Himself as true God. (3.4.8.6)

By exposing the core of the Mosaic Law, Jesus made it clear that the law–like the entire old covenant–refers to Him. He had come in order to fulfil it. (3.4.8.7)

In order to spread His gospel, Jesus elected twelve Apostles out of the circle of His disciples. He had a special relationship of trust with them. After His resurrection He showed Himself to them repeatedly, and it was to them that He gave the great commission before His ascension. (3.4.8.8)