Twelve Were Chosen
A Study of the Original Apostles
Matthew and Thomas
Two Men Transformed
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on biblical information about Matthew and Thomas. Of special note is how the life of these men was transformed by Jesus as they grew spiritually.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Learn the characteristics of the apostles that enable us to influence others for Jesus.
- Feel: Value the apostles as role models in serving the Lord.
- Do: Apply the characteristics of the apostles in our life of faithful service to the Lord.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
- Son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14)
- Also known as Levi
- A Jewish tax collector at Capernaum.
- Author of the Gospel of Matthew
- While Matthew was manning his tax booth, Jesus calls him and he left immediately to follow Jesus.
- Held a banquet with his friends to introduce them to Jesus.
Tax collectors were despised because they were official representatives of the Roman government. They also were known for overtaxing individuals, although there was never an indication of this in Matthew's case.
Jesus chose his followers from those that were not leaders, scholars, and otherwise influential in society. He chose instead those that needed Him and would offer their life to Him.
Humility is a key characteristic of disciples of Jesus. They either posses it or learn to become humble. At that time, their service to our Lord increases greatly. Matthew exhibits the character of humility in how he was willing to leave his former life without question and follow Jesus.
The Greatest Sermon – The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7)
In this great sermon we learn the theology of Jesus. We learn expected attitudes and behaviors as citizens of God's Kingdom.
The Great Commitment (Matthew 10:37-39)
Jesus teaches us that we must be willing to give up everything to follow Jesus. We cannot sustain our relationship with Jesus without great commitment to Him and our role as faithful servants. Therefore repentance, turning away from ourselves and turning to Jesus is such a critical element in our salvation.
The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:27-40)
Jesus teaches us that loving God with our complete self and loving others as ourself is the basis of judgment. This is consistent with the kind of love God shows us and expects from us. It is the love that puts others before self, God first, then others.
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
Pointing others to Jesus and teaching them how to live faithfully is a core responsibility of disciples of Jesus. As Jesus expressed to those listening during the Sermon on the Mount, we are to be salt and light to the world. In doing so we bring the influence of Jesus and His salvation to others. We point the way to Jesus (Light) and add value to their lives (salt). We do this not of or through ourselves, but by Jesus working in our lives.
In John 20:24-29 we read of the incident that earned him this dubious nickname. He was reluctant to embrace the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. He demanded physical proof before he would believe.
This is an unfortunate nickname because he was one of a group of doubters. All the apostles expressed doubt and had to have Jesus appear to them before believing. This is part of the reason Jesus did appear in bodily form, even taking food. Thomas however, was the one who specifically expressed doubt.
Upon seeing Jesus, Thomas no longer doubted. Instead he uttered a great statement of faith, "My Lord and my God." (vs 28)
There are many things that learners might express. These were covered in the lesson:
We learn that Jesus forgives. Just as Jesus forgave Peter and the others for doubting, fleeing, and denying, Jesus forgave Thomas. This is evident in how Jesus praised Thomas for his statement after realizing that Jesus had indeed risen.
We learn to express our faith in our Lord. Thomas' faith weakened by the extreme events that had occurred. But Thomas became willing to follow and serve our Lord even to his death.
Answers will vary but look for the need to follow unhesitatingly, willingly, and faithfully no matter the cost. We put Jesus first in all things recognizing that He is indeed our Lord and God, our master, and our redeemer. It is in Him that we find rest from the loads of life we carry.