How Jesus mentored the Twelve

He chose them.

He appointed them to be with him.

He demonstrated the power of the kingdom to them.

He taught them – he kept on and on teaching them about the kingdom.

He trained them.

He sent them on mission.

He tested them to see how much they’d learnt – the feeding of 5,000.

He challenged them – ‘Are you still so dull?’ – Matthew 16:9

He questioned them – ‘Who do you say I am?’

He warned them - about the Pharisees, the end times, and the spiritual enemy.

He kept on teaching them about the kingdom, that he would be crucified, and how to operate as a community after he had gone.

He expected them to understand the kingdom and grow as kingdom disciples.

He kept getting them to think by asking penetrating, challenging and sometimes awkward questions.

He rebuked them – for not believing those who had reported his resurrection.

He forgave them and restored them.

But above all, he loved them. ‘You did not choose me but I chose you.’ ‘I no longer call you servants, but I have called you friends because all that the father has made known to me I have made known to you’. ‘As the father has loved me, so I have loved you.’

And then he commissioned them: ‘Go, and make disciples.’