Calling of the Twelve Apostles

Remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation (Hel. 5:12).

During His life, the Savior had many followers who believed His teachings. These followers were called disciples. One day while in Galilee, He went “up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

“And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mark 3:13–15). This group of twelve disciples had been called and ordained to be Apostles.

“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

“Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus;

“Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” (Matt. 10:2–4.)

The word apostle means “one sent forth.” The Twelve Apostles had it revealed to them that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of the world. They were sent forth into the world to bear testimony of Him. The members of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Church today have this same responsibility to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Most of us will not be called to serve as “special witnesses” of Jesus Christ. However, the Holy Ghost can still reveal to each of us personally that Jesus is the Son of God and that His teachings are true. We share our knowledge of these truths by bearing our testimonies and by doing those things that are right.

Instructions

Color the flannel-board figures, then mount them on heavy paper. Cut them out and use them to retell the story of the calling of the Twelve Apostles and of their responsibilities.

Calling of the Twelve (Jesus with the Twelve on the hillside); Peter and John healing a lame man; Philip testifying.
(Illustrated by Beth M. Whittaker.)

Calling of the Apostles by Harry Anderson