Jesus Christ Calls His Apostles “Lesson 9: Jesus Christ Calls His Apostles,” Primary 7: New Testament, 29

What important word is found in all three of these scriptures? 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; D&C 107:23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.

Why is an Apostle an important servant of the Lord? 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; D&C 107:23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.

Jesus had many followers, called disciples. An Apostle is one of a select group of men who is ordained as a special witness of Jesus Christ to all the world.

An Apostle testifies that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was resurrected. He makes sure the gospel is preached everywhere in the world.

When Jesus first called Peter, Andrew, James, and John from their fishing boats, He was calling them to be disciples. From His larger group of disciples He chose twelve men to be His Apostles.

Jesus ordained them the same way Apostles are ordained today, by the laying on of hands, and gave them the same authority Apostles have today.

Jesus Chooses His Apostles

One day Jesus taught people from a boat on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The boat belonged to a man named Peter.

Peter and his friends had fished all night without catching any fish. After Jesus finished teaching, He told Peter to take the boat into deep water. Then He told Peter and his friends to put their fishing nets into the water.

They caught so many fish that their nets began to break. Peter called to his friends in another boat to come and help. The fish filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Peter and his friends were amazed Peter and his friends were amazed. They knew that Jesus Christ had made this happen. Peter knelt by the Savior’s feet. He said that he was not worthy to be near Jesus. Jesus told Peter not to be afraid.

Two of Peter’s friends, James and John, were brothers. Jesus told Peter, James, and John to follow Him and become “fishers of men.” The men left everything they had and went with Jesus.

The Savior also asked other men to follow Him.

Jesus chose twelve Apostles to lead His Church. He prayed all night so that He could choose the right men. The next morning He chose and ordained twelve men, giving them the priesthood and the authority to be Apostles.

The Apostles traveled to many cities The Apostles traveled to many cities. They taught the gospel and healed people. They returned to tell Jesus what they had done.

Discussion Time!

What did Peter, Andrew, James, and John do for a living? Let’s read Matthew 4:18–19 What does it mean to be “fishers of men”?

How are Apostles today “fishers of men”? Let’s read D&C 18:27–29

How did Peter, Andrew, James, and John respond when Jesus told them to follow him? Let’s read Matthew 4:20–22 (straightway means immediately) The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 4:18 states that Jesus told them who he was before he asked them to follow him.

How did their response show that they believed that Jesus was the Christ? Why is it important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

What did Jesus tell Simon to do with his nets? Let’s read Luke 5:4 (Simon, Simon Peter, and Peter are all the same person) Why did Simon question doing what Jesus asked? Let’s read Luke 5:5

What happened? Let’s read Luke 5:6–7 Why did this event help the disciples have greater faith in Jesus? Let’s read Luke 5:8–10

What did Peter, James, and John do to prove that they had faith in Jesus? Let’s read Luke 5:11 How can we show that we follow Jesus Christ?

How long did Jesus pray before calling his Apostles? Let’s read Luke 6:12 Why do you think Jesus prayed before making this important decision?

Who calls Apostles today? Heavenly Father instructs the First Presidency through inspiration.

The scriptures speak of disciples and Apostles. What is the difference between a disciple and an Apostle? Let’s read Luke 6:13

Are you a disciple or an Apostle? What does it mean to be a special witness of Jesus Christ? Let’s read Acts 4:33, Acts 10:39–43 & D&C 107:23

How did Peter witness that Jesus was the Christ? Let’s read Matthew 16:13–17 What did Jesus promise Peter because of Peter’s testimony? Let’s read Matthew 16:18–19

The “keys of the kingdom” are the authority the Apostles have to do Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’ work here on earth. We will about Peter, James, and John receiving these promised keys on the Mount of Transfiguration in lesson 15.

How do Apostles witness that Jesus is the Christ today?

Elder David B. Haight, an Apostle of the Lord said: “The evening of my health crisis, I knew something very serious had happened to me… “I was pleading to my Heavenly Father to spare my life a while longer to give me a little more time to do His work, if it was His will.

“While still praying, I began to lose consciousness “While still praying, I began to lose consciousness. The siren of the paramedic truck was the last that I remembered before unconsciousness overtook me, which would last for the next several days. “The terrible pain and commotion of people ceased. I was now in a calm, peaceful setting; all was serene and quiet…

“I heard no voices but was conscious of being in a holy presence and atmosphere. “During the hours and days that followed, there was impressed again and again upon my mind the eternal mission and exalted position of the Son of Man.

“I witness to you that He is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, Savior to all, Redeemer of all mankind, Bestower of infinite love, mercy, and forgiveness, the Light and Life of the world. “I knew this truth before—I had never doubted nor wondered. But now I knew, because of the impressions of the Spirit upon my heart and soul, these divine truths in a most unusual way.

“I was shown a panoramic view of His earthly ministry: His baptism, His teaching, His healing the sick and lame, the mock trial, His crucifixion, His resurrection and ascension. “There followed scenes of His earthly ministry to my mind in impressive detail, confirming scripture eyewitness accounts.

“I was being taught, and the eyes of my understanding were opened by the Holy Spirit of God so as to behold many things” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, p. 73; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, pp. 59–60).

Who are the Apostles on the earth today? Boyd K. Packer L. Tom Perry Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks M. Russell Ballard Richard G. Scott Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland David A. Bednar Quentin L. Cook Who are the Apostles on the earth today? D. Todd Christofferson Neil L. Andersen

How are our lives blessed when we listen to the counsel of the Apostles? Let’s read 3 Nephi 12:1–2

Let’s memorize the sixth article of faith: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

Match Game! I have pictures of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. Each of these papers has one of their names on it. Take turns matching the names and pictures. Now, take turns arranging them in order of seniority! Enr. Act. 1

The Original Twelve Apostles Let’s read Luke 6:12–16 to discover the names of the Twelve Apostles Jesus called. Enr. Act. 2

Find the talks given by the Apostles. Here are some recent conference reports and conference issues of Church magazines. Find the talks given by the Apostles. Find the places in these talks where the Apostles declared their special witness of Jesus Christ (these are often at the end of their speeches). Enr. Act. 3

I am grateful for Apostles I am grateful for Apostles. My life has been blessed when I followed their counsel. I know that Jesus calls Apostles, through the living prophet, to witness His name and preach the gospel to all the world.

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