THE DISCIPLES
 by Gail Keffer

This is a series of devotionals based on the disciples and their work to further the Gospel.  It can also be used as a series of Bible studies, if preferred.

 

Peter is represented with keys which show his confession and the Lord's gift to him of the keys of the kingdom, Matthew 16:18,19.  The keys are often shown with an inverted cross.

Andrew is said to have died on an "X" shaped cross because he did not feel worthy to die on the same kind of cross as Christ.

James is represented by three scallop shells which are symbolic of his pilgrimage and mission zeal.

John is represented by the chalice with the serpent.  Supposedly an attempt to poison John was adverted when he blessed the chalice with the poison and the poison escaped in the form of a serpent.

Phillip is represented b y the cross with two loaves of bread, due to Phillip's remark when Jesus fed the multitude.  John 6:7

Jude is symbolized by a sailing ship signifying his mission work to Syria, Arabia, and Mesopotamia.

James is represented by the saw because he was supposedly thrown from the top of a temple and sawn asunder.

Matthew is represented by money bags referring to his early occupation as a tax collector.

Thomas with the vertical spear and a carpenter's square. Tradition says that Thomas erected a church in East India with his own hands.

Bartholomew is symbolized with the Bible and knife because he is said to have been flayed alive for preaching the Gospel.

Simon is shown as the fish and Bible because through the power of the Gospel, he became a great fisher of men.

Matthias is shown with the Bible and the double bladed battle axe.  It is said he was beheaded with a double  bladed axe for his missionary zeal.

MATTHEW

 

Matthew is represented by money bags referring to his early occupation as a tax collector.

 

“You are like salt for all mankind.  But if salt loses its taste, there is no way to make it salty again.  It has become worthless, so it is thrown away and people walk on it.”  Matthew 5:13  Good News for Modern Man
Text Box: “You are like salt for all mankind.  But if salt loses its taste, there is no way to make it salty again.  It has become worthless, so it is thrown away and people walk on it.”  Matthew 5:13  Good News for Modern Man

 

 

Have you ever thought of yourself as salt?  Alone it is just a tiny thing extracted from the earth in various forms and it doesn’t cost much, but it is that added thing that brings out the flavor in food and preserves it in many cases also. 

When Jesus called Matthew to be a Disciple, he said. “’Follow me”.  And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew had heard that he was salt.  What does that mean?   If we are but one grain of salt, working with other grains of salt, we can make a difference. 

THE MESSAGE  words it this way. “’Let me tell you why you are here.  You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.  If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?  You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.’”    If we look at Matthew’s life after the death of Jesus, we could wonder why he followed so willing.   Matthew didn’t hesitate.  He arose and followed him immediately.  If we are willing to be the salt, what is demanded of us?  Are we willing to be a disciple?

We think about it at times, and at times the mercury (our spirit) goes so high in the thermometer built inside of us that we even think we can serve on a committee or maybe even talk with someone about coming to church.  Let’s not work too hard at it and ask them if they know your Jesus.   If we are the salt, we must make a difference.  Or have we lost our zeal?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father so many times we look at nature and see the beauty and take it for granted.  We eat food daily, and sometimes we stop to give thanks for it.  Help us to realize that we are the salt of the world, we are the light of the world, and only through us can you forward your work to others on this earth so that someday we may all join you eternally.  Help us to be proud to be the salt.  Help us to make a difference.  Help us to show love to all, even the publicans and sinners like ourselves.  In thy name we pray. Amen.

  1. Are we just salt? – a tiny grain in the world?  Aren’t we more important than that?
  2. Are we willing to follow?  What is the reward?  What was the reward for Matthew? 
  3. Are we the salt of life?  Can we make a difference in everyone else’s lives by what we do, say, and even think?
  4. Are we willing to give all that we have on this earth to have eternal life with Him?

 

*  Gail Keffer, a lay person in Clen-Moore Church, is the author of several booklets of devotionals/Bible Character studies which are offered at no charge to any church for use on their web site or for study.  At the present time 7 booklets are available.  

IN THE BEGINNING                  THE DISCIPLES                      YOUNG LIONS
LENTEN SERIES              THE ADVENT SERIES               LOYAL FOLLOWERS
WOMEN WHO DARED TO STAND ALONE

To receive any of these on line, please contact Gail Keffer at gailkk@verizon.net.

She and her husband, Ray, have also written and published several plays for the various Christian holidays, Missions, and the Reformation.