Jesus' Inner-Circle

Rarely in the Gospels do we see Jesus without his twelve disciples. At the conclusion of his Gospel, John writes: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book” (John 20:30). It's true that Scripture only records a fraction of all that Jesus did and taught in the years He ministered upon this earth. Consequently, in three years time, all twelve disciples beheld some incredible miracles and devoured many profound lessons. While Jesus' team consisted of twelve men, there were three that seemed to be singled out more than once: Peter, James and John. I call these three Jesus' inner-circle.

Peter, James and John had a unique closeness with Jesus. On several different occasions, Jesus calls these three disciples to places the others were not invited. I would like to focus our attention on three benefits Peter, James and John encountered while in Jesus' inner-circle. Each is revealed through a particular passage.

1. They confronted the full power of God (Mark 5:21-43)! In this story, Jesus invited Peter, James and John into the house of Jairus, where He raised his daughter from the dead. Think about it: Inside the house, victory flourished. Outside the house, defeat was everywhere. Inside the house, hope blossomed. Outside the house, hopelessness abounded. Inside the house, joy was evident. Outside the house, loud wailing could be heard for great distances. Inside the house, peace flourished. Outside the house, commotion wreaked havoc. Based on these facts, I would have preferred to be standing right next to Jesus watching Him exercise unlimited power to bring this young girl back to life. Imagine the look of amazement on her parents' faces when their little girl opened her eyes, springing back from the dead.

Peter, James and John confronted the FULL power of God on this day, while the other nine disciples only witnessed disbelief. Eye-witnessing a spectacular event would certainly cement a specific truth on one's heart much more than just hearing about it. I wonder what the conversation was like once they left that home. The three inner-circle disciples shared a common awe moment that the others could only visualize.

2. They witnessed the lavish display of God's glory (Matthew 17:1-8)! This story takes us to the top of a mountain where Jesus transfigured Himself before these three disciples. Mountains in the Bible were often places of revelation. Clouds in Scripture frequently represented God's presence. Both of these were significant features in the transfiguration.

The word transfigure is an interesting word. The Greek word is “metamorpho” and it means to transform, literally or figuratively, or to change. The prefix “meta” means to change and the “morphe” means form. In essence, to “transfigure” would be to change the outward so that it matched the inward reality.¹ ° Jesus' true identity, as the Son of God or God Himself, was veiled in His human body. The transfiguration provided the disciples a glimpse into the true nature of Jesus Christ – it was a display of the shekinah glory (representing the visible presence of God) in the Son. And God's voice attesting to this truth authenticated what they were witnessing.

3. They absorbed the deep intimacy between Jesus and His Father (Mark 14:32-42)! The word Abba is the Aramaic word for “dear father.”¹¹ This word is used in the New Testament three times, but only once in the Gospels. In other words, the disciples heard Jesus call His Father Abba for the very first time right here in the garden. Some would translate Abba as “Daddy” to convey the close, personal meaning of the word.¹² Consequently, Jesus is revealing that God is not just a mighty God who is in control of the universe, but He is our Father and longs for all of His children to seek a personal relationship with Him.

Jeremiah 33:3 says: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” The original word for call in this verse can also be defined as: “to be invited as a guest.”¹³ Picture God standing before you with His arms open wide saying, “Come my child. Come closer. Let Me show you more of Me. Allow Me to display more of My glory. Let Me show you how to walk in deeper intimacy with Me.” The invitation is there for all of us. It's just a matter of whether we accept it.

Peter, James and John were influential pillars of the early church. The great miracles and revelations they witnessed while being in Jesus' inner circle certainly gave them greater ability to carry out the work before them. The same is true for us. We will bring more glory to God and be more successful in our ministries the closer we walk with Jesus.

Taken from my Bible study, “On This Rock – From Fisherman to Follower.” A study on the life and ministry of Peter.

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Our online Bible study on "On This Rock" is beginning on January 9th. You can find out more by going to our website: www.solidtruthministries.com or you may email me at: sheryl@solidtruthministries.com .