20 Big Ideas That Jesus Taught His Apostles

20 Big Ideas That Jesus Taught His Apostles

Jesus spent three years teaching His apostles profound truths about the Kingdom of God, faith, love, and discipleship. His lessons were not just for them but for all who follow Him. His teachings shaped the foundation of Christianity, guiding believers in their faith, mission, and daily lives. Here are 20 Big Ideas that Jesus taught His apostles, along with their meaning, symbolism, and a key verse to reflect upon.

1. The Kingdom of God is at Hand

Jesus proclaimed that God’s kingdom was not a distant reality but was breaking into the world. He taught His disciples to live with the expectation and urgency of its arrival.
Symbolism: A mustard seed growing into a great tree
Key Verse: “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” – Mark 1:15

2. Follow Me

Jesus called ordinary men to leave everything behind and follow Him. This was not just about physically following Him but committing their lives to His mission.
Symbolism: Leaving behind fishing nets
Key Verse: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:19

3. Love One Another as I Have Loved You

Jesus redefined love—not as an emotion but as self-sacrificial action. He commanded His apostles to model their love after His.
Symbolism: Jesus washing His disciples’ feet
Key Verse: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

4. Faith Can Move Mountains

Jesus emphasized the power of faith, teaching His apostles that nothing is impossible when they trust in God.
Symbolism: A mountain being cast into the sea
Key Verse: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

5. Serve Others with Humility

True greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving, not being served. Jesus modeled this by washing His disciples’ feet.
Symbolism: A servant kneeling with a towel
Key Verse: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26

6. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

The Beatitudes taught the apostles that God’s favor rests on the humble, the meek, and those who seek righteousness, rather than the powerful and wealthy.
Symbolism: The Sermon on the Mount
Key Verse: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

7. Forgive Others, Even Your Enemies

Jesus taught that forgiveness is essential, even for those who hurt us. This radical forgiveness was a reflection of God’s mercy.
Symbolism: Seventy times seven
Key Verse: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

8. Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

Discipleship requires sacrifice. Jesus taught that following Him meant a willingness to suffer for righteousness.
Symbolism: Carrying a cross
Key Verse: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

9. The First Shall Be Last

Jesus reversed worldly thinking, teaching that true honor comes from humility, and the last will be first in the kingdom of God.
Symbolism: A child in the midst of the apostles
Key Verse: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” – Matthew 19:30

10. Ask, Seek, Knock

Jesus taught His apostles persistence in prayer, encouraging them to boldly ask God for what they need.
Symbolism: A door being opened
Key Verse: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

11. Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Jesus reassured His disciples that God provides for His people, teaching them to trust Him completely instead of being anxious.
Symbolism: Birds and lilies
Key Verse: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” – Matthew 6:34

12. Be Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

Jesus warned His disciples about the opposition they would face but told them to be both shrewd and gentle in their dealings with others.
Symbolism: A serpent and a dove
Key Verse: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

13. No One Comes to the Father Except Through Me

Jesus boldly declared that He was the only way to eternal life, calling His apostles to proclaim this truth.
Symbolism: The narrow path
Key Verse: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

14. The Holy Spirit Will Guide You

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to teach, remind, and empower His followers.
Symbolism: Tongues of fire at Pentecost
Key Verse: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things.” – John 14:26

15. Let Your Light Shine

The apostles were called to reflect God’s truth and love, being a light in a dark world.
Symbolism: A lamp on a stand
Key Verse: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

16. The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Workers are Few

Jesus urged His apostles to see the urgency of spreading the gospel and making disciples.
Symbolism: Fields ready for harvest
Key Verse: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Matthew 9:37

17. Be Like a Child to Enter the Kingdom

Jesus valued childlike faith—trusting, humble, and pure-hearted belief.
Symbolism: A child on Jesus’ lap
Key Verse: “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:15

18. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Jesus taught the apostles that love for others fulfills the entire law of God.
Symbolism: The Good Samaritan
Key Verse: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31

19. You Will Face Persecution for My Name

Jesus prepared His apostles for opposition, teaching that suffering for His name was part of their calling.
Symbolism: The world hating the light
Key Verse: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18

20. I Am With You Always

Before ascending, Jesus gave His apostles the Great Commission and the promise of His presence.
Symbolism: Jesus ascending into heaven
Key Verse: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings transformed His apostles and still guide us today. His message was not just about faith but about action—serving, loving, forgiving, and trusting in God. Which of these teachings stands out most to you? How do they challenge or encourage you in your faith?