Twelve Ordinary Men- Tommy Stringer
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a prayer and a lively chant that listed the twelve apostles, setting the stage for a deeper look at why Jesus chose ordinary men for an extraordinary mission. The teacher explained that unlike typical hiring practices that prioritize experience, credentials, and reputation, Jesus selected individuals who lacked formal training, theological education, and recognized competence. He emphasized that these men were teachable, willing to leave their former occupations, and eager to follow Him, traits highlighted especially in the Gospel of John. Focusing on the apostle Andrew, the discussion traced his encounter with Jesus as recorded in John 1:35, noting how Andrew and another disciple left John the Baptist to follow Christ. The class highlighted Andrew’s immediate concern for his brother Simon Peter, illustrating how personal relationships often spark faith journeys. Hebrews 11:6 was cited to reinforce the principle that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The lesson concluded with modern analogies, such as Cal Ripken’s durability in baseball, to demonstrate the value of steadfastness and the impact of one individual's dedication on others in the body of Christ.
Key Scriptures
John 1:35-37
John 1:40-42