Instability, as it pertains to some of the disciples of Jesus, is a theme that emerges in the New Testament, highlighting the human frailty and spiritual struggles even among those closest to Christ. This instability is not indicative of a lack of faith but rather underscores the challenges of discipleship and the transformative journey of following Jesus.

Peter's Impulsiveness and Fear

Peter, one of the most prominent disciples, often exemplifies instability through his impulsive actions and moments of fear. In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter's initial boldness to walk on water towards Jesus quickly turns to fear, causing him to sink. Jesus responds, "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?" . This incident illustrates Peter's vacillation between faith and doubt.

Furthermore, Peter's denial of Jesus during His trial is a significant moment of instability. Despite his earlier declaration of unwavering loyalty (Matthew 26:33), Peter denies knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This episode highlights the tension between human weakness and the call to steadfastness in faith.

Thomas's Doubt

Thomas, another disciple, is often remembered for his skepticism following Jesus' resurrection. In John 20:24-29, Thomas expresses doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he sees physical evidence. Jesus addresses Thomas's doubt by inviting him to touch His wounds, saying, "Do not be unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27). Thomas's journey from doubt to belief serves as a reminder of the struggle to maintain faith amidst uncertainty.

James and John's Ambition

The brothers James and John, known as the "Sons of Thunder," exhibit instability through their ambitious desires. In Mark 10:35-37, they request positions of honor in Jesus' glory, revealing a misunderstanding of the nature of His kingdom. Jesus corrects their ambition by teaching about servanthood and sacrifice (Mark 10:42-45). Their initial instability is part of their growth in understanding the true essence of discipleship.

Judas Iscariot's Betrayal

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is perhaps the most profound example of instability among the disciples. Despite being chosen as one of the Twelve, Judas's actions reveal a heart divided by greed and disillusionment. In Matthew 26:14-16, Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His instability culminates in his tragic end, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin.

The Disciples' Abandonment

During Jesus' arrest, all the disciples exhibit instability by abandoning Him in His hour of need. Mark 14:50 states, "Then everyone deserted Him and fled" . This collective moment of fear and self-preservation contrasts with their earlier commitments to follow Jesus, highlighting the challenges of remaining steadfast under pressure.

Restoration and Empowerment

Despite these instances of instability, the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost mark a turning point for the disciples. Peter, once fearful and impulsive, becomes a bold proclaimer of the Gospel (Acts 2:14-41). Thomas, having moved from doubt to belief, joins the other apostles in spreading the message of Christ. The transformation of these disciples underscores the power of divine grace and the potential for growth and stability in the Christian life.

In examining the instability of some disciples, believers are reminded of the ongoing journey of faith, the importance of reliance on God's strength, and the hope of restoration and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.John 6:66
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Nave's Topical Index

The "Woe" Does not Apply to the Disciples of Jesus.
... of the "woes" happen to any of the disciples of Christ ... of his faith wanting ballast,
and the instability of his ... a result, the woes extend not to some parts of ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/21 the woe does not.htm

The Almost Christian
... riches, and would willingly be true disciples of Jesus ... But some men would be wiser
than this great ... almost Christians, is a fickleness and instability of temper ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

Christ and the Unstable.
... or, according to another evangelist, Rebuke Thy disciples and forbid ... that such stirrings
will at some future time ... with us, whether it is instability, or rather ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/v christ and the unstable.htm

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... that Jesus went into a ship, and His disciples followed Him. ... much upon our guard
because of our instability; we know ... each of you may be able in some measure to ...
/.../vii sermon for the fourth.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... The schismatics show by their very instability that they ... There were among the
Corinthians some who thus ... false apostles who called themselves disciples of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The Dying Saviour Our Example.
... how in fact not one of His disciples had clearly ... to the opinion of men, lest some
bitter feeling ... real friendship there can be no instability, no unfaithfulness ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/ii the dying saviour our.htm

(On the Lord's Resurrection, I. ; Delivered on Holy Saturday in ...
... For when a man is changed by some process from ... when the doors were closed upon the
disciples, and gave ... made new, return to their ancient instability; and let ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxi on the lords.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... and the traitor [3313] was Judas, one of the disciples. ... for thus I must term his
instability, though I ... to this honour there was also current some such report ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... that many Gentile customs are observed by some among us ... compelled to justify himself
to his disciples, being their ... it, but on account of the instability of the ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm

On Eating.
... and destructive life; whence [1305] some, speaking with ... and further, on account of
the instability of those ... with which He feasted the disciples, introducing a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

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Instability: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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