Formation of the Disciples

Have you ever considered how your weaknesses are woven into the fabric of your spiritual formation? More often than not, our struggles, temptations, and shortcomings are intricately tied to the journey of our faith. Nowhere is this truth more beautifully displayed than in the lives of the disciples.

When Jesus called his followers, his choices were anything but random. Each disciple he invited carried a unique burden, a struggle that, in the hands of the Master, would become a testimony of transformation. His selection was a direct reflection of his heart, his ministry, and his radical invitation to view and love one another through the lens of grace.

Consider how Jesus assigned roles within his ministry, purposefully yoking each disciple's responsibility to their very own weakness:

Peter, who wrestled with the fear of man and the trap of comparison, denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Even after the resurrection, Peter withdrew from Gentiles out of fear of others' opinions of him (Galatians 2:11-13) and measured his calling against John's (John 21:21). Yet, in divine irony, Jesus names Peter the rock upon which the church would be built, shaping his insecurity into unshakable leadership.

James and John, filled with ambition and a desire for power, once vied for positions of authority within the group, eager to determine who belonged and who did not (Mark 10:35-37). But Jesus, in his wisdom, called them to follow—and not just follow, but to submit to Peter’s leadership, embrace those deemed unworthy by society, and taught them the heart of true servanthood.

Judas, whose love for money clouded his devotion, was not sheltered from temptation. In our world, church leaders attempt to protect people by taking away the source of struggle, Instead, Jesus entrusted him with the very thing he struggled with—managing the ministry’s finances. In doing so, Jesus demonstrated that true transformation is not about avoidance, but about surrender.

Simon the Zealot, The first "Make Israel Great Again" disciple was burning with nationalistic fervor and hatred for Rome, was challenged by the presence of Matthew—a tax collector and perceived traitor. Jesus, rather than affirming Simon’s ideals, called him to a higher allegiance: love for his enemies and a call to carry the cross, not the sword.

Matthew, once a tax collector living, which was the first century Fortune-500 company career, lived in comfort and security. He was invited to leave behind his wealth and status to follow a homeless rabbi. His new journey required him to reconcile with eleven other men, some of whom he had likely wronged. Yet, Jesus called him into a life of radical dependence and reconciliation.

Andrew and Philip, Church tradition believed they were disciples of John the Baptist before following Jesus, seemed the logical choice for leadership—calm, steady, and knowledgeable. But Jesus had a different plan. Rather than elevating them to prominence, he called them to the simple, faithful task of following, teaching that greatness in the kingdom is not about status but about steadfastness.

These are but glimpses of how Jesus masterfully intertwines our weaknesses with our callings, transforming them into strengths that bear witness to his power. In Peter, fear became courage; in John, misdirected zeal turned into selfless love. Through surrender, our frailties can become the very markers of God's grace at work in us.

So, what are your weaknesses? Rather than hiding them, consider how you can build plausibility structures to navigate them. Surrender them to Jesus, and watch as he transforms them into something beautiful—something that speaks of his redeeming love and unfailing grace.