SMALL GROUP STUDY: Lessons from the Twelve Disciples

One Mission, Many Stories: How the Twelve Disciples’ Diverse Backgrounds United Them in Christ

OPENING QUESTION

To get everyone talking: What is one part of your background (family, work, personality, past experiences) that has shaped who you are today?

SECTION 1 — WHO WERE THE DISCIPLES?

Read together:

• Matthew 4:18–22
• Matthew 9:9
• Luke 6:12–16

Key Observations

• They came from different professions (fishermen, tax collector, zealot).
• They had different personalities (bold Peter, tender John, skeptical Thomas).
• They had different social standings (respected fishermen vs. despised tax collector).
• Jesus chose them intentionally, not accidentally.

Discussion Questions

• What surprises you most about the disciples’ backgrounds?
• Why do you think Jesus chose such a diverse group instead of people who were similar?
• Which disciple’s background or personality do you relate to most, and why?

SECTION 2 — WHAT UNITED THEM?

Read together:

• Matthew 4:19 — “Follow me…”
• John 17:21 — “That they all may be one…”
• 1 Corinthians 12:14 — “For the body is not one member, but many.”

Key Observations

• They were united by a shared calling: following Jesus.
• They were united by a shared transformation: Jesus shaped them over time.
• They were united by a shared mission: spreading the gospel.

Discussion Questions

• How does Jesus’ simple call “Follow me” still unite believers today?
• What does unity look like in a group of people who are very different?
• Why is diversity a strength in the body of Christ?

SECTION 3 — THEIR STRUGGLES AND GROWTH

Read together:

• Luke 22:24 — They argued about who was greatest.
• Matthew 14:30 — Peter sank when he doubted.
• John 20:25 — Thomas struggled to believe.

Key Observations

• The disciples were not perfect.
• They doubted, argued, misunderstood, and failed.
• Jesus continued to teach, correct, and restore them.

Discussion Questions

• How does it encourage you to see the disciples’ weaknesses?
• Which of their struggles feels most relatable to you?
• What does Jesus’ patience with them teach us about His patience with us?

SECTION 4 — APPLYING THEIR STORY TO OUR LIVES

Read together:

• 1 Corinthians 1:27 — “God hath chosen the foolish things… to confound the wise.”

Application Points

• Your background is not a barrier to being used by God.
• Your differences are part of God’s design, not a mistake.
• Unity in Christ doesn’t require sameness — it requires surrender.
• God forms a family out of people who would never naturally choose each other.

Discussion Questions

• What part of your background have you believed disqualifies you?
• How might God use your unique experiences or personality for His kingdom?
• What steps can we take as a group to grow in unity despite our differences?

PRACTICAL CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK

Choose one:

• Reach out to someone in your church who is very different from you and encourage them.
• Reflect on one part of your past and ask God to show you how He can use it.
• Pray daily for unity in your small group and church family.

CLOSING PRAYER FOCUS

• Thank God for calling ordinary people to extraordinary purpose.
• Ask Him to help your group embrace diversity as a strength.
• Pray for deeper unity, shared mission, and Christ‑centered relationships.