The Talmidim

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:27 

 

The Hebrew word for disciples is "talmidim" and in Jesus' day, it was common for a group of talmidim to follow and learn from a rabbi. These disciples were usually in their teens when they began to follow a rabbi, and most of Jesus' disciples were probably fifteen years old or younger.

 

Being a disciple of Jesus - a talmid - was not a simple matter.  It was a radical and life-changing commitment.  Jesus' twelve talmidim ultimately followed in the footsteps of their rabbi:  They changed the world, and most of them gave their life in the process!

 

As we learn about the disciples' life and goals, Christians are challenged to imitate the radical lifestyle of a talmid as we follow our Rabbi Jesus.

 

Are you willing to follow Jesus?  Walk in His steps – go where He went – to the lowly places where the outcasts were?