1. Chapter 11 Lesson 1 Twelve Apostles

2. Twelve is an important number. There were twelve tribes of Israel, God’s chosen people. The tribes descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Jesus chose twelve apostles. The choice of twelve should remind us that Christ’s Church is a continuation of God’s chosen people-the foundation of the new people of God, the Church.

3. Turn to page 63 in your textbook. Jesus started the Catholic Church. His aim was to save people and lead them to heaven. Christ himself was the leader, but because he would be returning to heaven at the end of his earthly life, he chose Peter to be the visible head of the Church on earth. He also chose the twelve apostles, who would seek out new members, the Christian converts of the early Church.

4. The Twelve Apostles The calls: Jn 1:35-51 Mk 1:16-20 Lk 5:24-28 We see in these readings how Christ called the Twelve The call, or vocation to the priesthood, is a mystery of God’s choice. In the Bible, Peter’s name is always listed first.

5. The Need for the Apostles. Read Mt 9:35-38. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. When he saw the people so sad and confused, he felt sorry for them. He called laborers, his apostles, to gather his people.

6. What does it mean for Jesus to make the apostles shepherds? Read Jn 10:11; Lk 15:3- 17; Mt 6:34.

7. The Twelve Apostles Simon Peter, first Pope Andrew, brother of Peter James the Greater, son of Zebedee John, son of Zebedee Philip Bartholomew (also know as Nathanael) “Doubting” Thomas Matthew (also known as Levi) James the Less, son of Alphaeus Jude Thaddaeus, brother of James the Less Simon the Cananaean Judas Iscariot

8. Where can you be apostles in the world today? Where can you bring the gospel? What challenges would you face?