JESUS CHOSE ONLY THREE DISCIPLES INTO HIS INNER CIRCLE
On certain occasions, the question is asked-Why did Jesus choose Peter, James, and John to be His inner circle?
Jesus officially selected twelve disciples, which was comprised of:
• Simon Peter
• Andrew
• James
• John
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Matthew
• Thomas
• James son of Alphaeus
• Simon the zealot
• Judas son of James and
• Judas Iscariot
However, of the twelve Peter, James and John seem to have favor, and was closest to Jesus, and had the privilege to be a part of the inner circle to Jesus. Those three Peter, James, and John were among the earliest of the disciples and had been with Jesus the longest
Summarily, the Bible does not reveal and/or give an explanation as to why Jesus chose those three to be in His inner circle. There is some speculation as to why Jesus did so choose the three. Perhaps, Peter, James, and John were being prepared, equipped, and readied for special leadership roles.
Peter's nickname was known as the “Rock”-he was the first of the disciples to express faith in Jesus and the Messiah and the Son of God. {MT 16:16}
James and John's nickname was “Sons of thunder”, because of their boldness {Mark 3:17}
Among certain ones in the Hebrew flock of people, the nickname “Rock” for Peter was viewed in a different way to describe Peter’s attitude and behavior. The Rock to them meant that he was really rough around the edges and needed to be smoother and of better character and behavior.
The Hebrew flock of people regarded James and John nickname “Son of Thunder” as Sons of Rage and Commotion, basically, James and John was thought of as “Hell Raisers’
When Jesus selected the twelve disciples He was making a special effort to prepare them for leadership roles they would later occupy in the fledging growth of the church. The intent and purpose was for all of them to carry out the same mission, that of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations {MT 28:18-20}
Peter, James, and John being of Jesus' inner circle were instrumental in full filling that mission. They were eyewitnesses to upfront and close numerous amazing events in Jesus' ministry. As such encountered an exposure that served to prepare them well for future ministry service.
Due to the special attention given by Jesus to Peter, James, and John in Jesus’s leadership strategy they were prepared for a broad reach to build a ministry, because of the popularity, focus, leadership depth, and long-term impact of The Leadership Strategy of Jesus.
Peter, after his failure and denial of Jesus, the Lord restored him, and he went on to be a leader in the early church. He was martyred because of his faith in Jesus. Both James and John suffered for Christ. James was the first of the disciples to be slain for Christ {Acts 12:1-2], and John was the last of the twelve to die after being exiled for his faith {Rev 1:9}
Prepared/edited: Bishop Steve Braxton, Founder, National Fellowship Clergy Outreach, Div. Marketplace Ministries.Inc., Also freelance writer, blogger, and author of non-fiction books, memoirs, and poetic stanza’s
