Who Disciples Are
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This sermon from Stranraer Reformed Presbyterian Church explores the identity of disciples through the lens of Jesus' all-night prayer before choosing the twelve apostles. The speaker draws on Luke 6:12-17 to emphasize that disciples are not merely followers but those called, chosen, and prayed for by Christ. The sermon distinguishes between the 12 'big D' disciples (apostles), a larger group of 'small d' disciples, and a great multitude of people. It highlights five key truths about all disciples: they are prayed for by Jesus, called and chosen with total commitment, ordinary and largely unknown, diverse in background and outlook, and not all endure to the end—illustrated by Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. The message underscores the importance of prayer, humility, unity across differences, and vigilance against spiritual complacency. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in Christ’s intercession and the assurance of His sustaining grace.
Disciples are those whom Jesus prays for, both before and after their calling.
Being a disciple means responding to a total, non-negotiable call from Christ.
True discipleship is marked by ordinariness and anonymity—focusing on faithfulness, not recognition.
The church is meant to reflect diversity in background and experience, united by the gospel.
Not all who appear to be disciples will persevere; this reality should guard against presumption and shock when others fall away.
The Power of Prayer Before Decision-Making
“All night he continued in prayer to God. And surely it shows the importance of what he was going to do.”
Who Are the Disciples? Three Distinct Groups
The speaker unpacks the three groups mentioned in Luke 6:13–17: the 12 apostles (big D disciples), a larger crowd of disciples (small d disciples), and a great multitude of people. This distinction clarifies that discipleship is both a personal calling and a broader movement.
Disciples Are Prayed For, Chosen, and Called
“If Christianity is false it is of no importance whereas if it is true it is of infinite importance.”
Ordinary, Diverse, and Not All Who Begin Will Finish
“Not all disciples make it to the end.”
The Cross and the Call to Faithfulness
The sermon closes by connecting the calling of the disciples to the cross, emphasizing that even Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. Yet He loved him to the end. The final psalm (Psalm 41:8–12) is sung as a declaration of trust in Christ’s sustaining grace despite human failure.
“If Christianity is false it is of no importance whereas if it is true it is of infinite importance.”
“The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
“Even my devoted friend in whom my trust was real, the one who ate my bread has turned and lifted up his heel.”
Host
Jesus Christ
person
Judas Iscariot
person
Peter
person
Luke 6:12
other
Psalm 41
other
J.P. Struthers
person
Levi
person
Acts
other
C.S. Lewis
person
Mark 3:13
other
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