The Calling of the Twelve Apostles, Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11

I looked up three of Jesus' Twelve Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and learned some things I did not know about them: 

James – Son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of three chosen to be with the Lord on certain special occasions: at the raising of the daughter of Jairus, at the Transfiguration, and at Gethsemane.

Simon Peter – Another one of the three disciples present on certain special occasions. It is interesting that Peter means rock. Peter was one of the greatest of men. It was through Peter’s ministry that the gospel was first opened up to the Gentiles.

Andrew – Brother of Simon Peter. As a disciple of John the Baptist he met Jesus and then brought Peter to meet Jesus. He was one of the earliest called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and was one of the Twelve.

I also found these verses which helped me better understand what it means to be an Apostle. 

Acts 4:33: "And with great power gave the apostles awitness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great bgrace was upon them all."

D&C 107:23: "The atwelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve bApostles, or special cwitnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling."

The word apostle means “one sent forth”. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ in all the world. They witness of the Lord’s resurrection.

In Matthew 10:5-42 the Savior prepared His disciples to proclaim the gospel. He taught them not to worry about what they would say because the Spirit would tell them. He warned them that they would be hated, but if they endured to the end they would be saved. The Savior also told them that they must love the Him and be loyal to Him above all else. He told them to devote their lives to Him and the ministry.

In Luke 5:1-11, the Savior calls Peter, James, and John. I love verse 11, which says that the Lord’s disciples, "forsook all, and followed him.” This is such a great example of how we should follow the Savior. Forsake all else, all worldy things, and follow Jesus Christ. I can apply this in my life by putting the Savior as the center of my life. That means obeying His commandments and striving to follow His perfect example. The Lord must be the absolute most important part of your life. The gospel  should be your first priority.