Here’s a Bible literacy song to help you learn the names of all 12 disciples — it’s a great twelve disciples song! In my mind, there’s no better way to memorize a list of names than by putting it to music, and the names of the 12 disciples are a perfect example.
This Bible song for kids will help your children learn who surrounded Jesus during His ministry, and for this one you will need the following:
- The song (free MP3 and videos below)
- The printable clue cards (free download below) — great for a pocket chart or bulletin board
This twelve disciples song is a sweet Bible literacy song that gives details about each of Jesus’ friends. Except for Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew, the Bible doesn’t give us too many details about these dear friends of our Lord — so this song gives one or more clues about each disciple to help you and your child learn their name.
Watch this video that shares the moves to the song:
Watch this video that shares the presentation of this song as a game:
Here are the lyrics to the twelve disciples song:
Jesus had 12 friends. It is true.
And there names should be important to you
I’ll give you a clue, you’ll have to figure out
Which one of Jesus’ friends I am talking about
12 friends, 12 friends, Jesus had 12 disciple friends
12 friends, 12 friends, let’s learn all 12 before our time ends
Peter
This friend of Jesus had a fishing boat
He liked to fish all day and in his boat would float
This man’s friendship with Jesus was sweet
And one day Jesus would even wash his feet
Andrew
This friend of Jesus also fished with nets
He was Peter’s brother – it is how they met
But Jesus told this fishing friend
That he was gonna make him a fisher of men
John
This was Jesus’ most loving friend
Jesus asked him to care for his mom to the end
He wrote a book in the Bible all about God’s love
He taught that true love comes from our God above
James
This friend of Jesus was John’s brother
Jesus called these brothers the Sons of Thunder
He was one of Jesus’ closest friends
He was the first of 12 to die a very sad end
James
This friend of Jesus was the son of Alpheus
We know that Jesus loved him very much
He shares the same name as John’s great brother
Some people call him “less” than the other
Matthew
This man collected taxes from the town
When people saw him coming they’d often frown
But when he learned that Jesus could forgive his sins
He stopped collecting money and started following him
Phillip
Jesus said to this friend, “Follow Me!”
This man followed Jesus and he did agree
That his new friend was the one that Moses wrote about
He told his friend Bartholomew without any doubt
Bartholomew
Philip told this man, “Come and see.”
I’ve found the true Messiah, “Come with me.”
When Jesus saw this man walking his way
This man believed in Jesus that very day
Thomas
This friend had some doubts when Jesus died
His ten friends said, “Jesus is alive!”
This mand had to see the truth till then he chose to grieve
So Jesus showed his wounds to him and then he did believe
Thaddeus
This friend of Jesus had more than one name
His other name was Judas, but not the one who did betray
Our Lord for only 30 silver pieces. Oh how sad.
This man stayed faithful to God which made him glad
Simon
This friend of Jesus was a zealous man
This meant he had great passion and with Jesus he would stand
I’m sure he followed Jesus all of his days
He reminds us to be zealous too, come what may
Judas
The story of this man is very sad
He betrayed our Lord which was very, very bad
For only 30 silver coins he turned Jesus in
This man died a death covered in his sin
Song by Kathy Vincent, All Rights Reserved
Suggestions for Success:
- Play the “tick tock” section as a real guessing game — pause before revealing each answer and let kids shout out their guess.
- Use the printable clue cards on a pocket chart so kids have a visual to match with each clue.
- Pair this song with a simple map or timeline activity to help kids place the disciples in the bigger story of Jesus’ ministry.
- Want more friendship songs, games, and object lessons? Visit our full [Bible Friendship Activities for Elementary Kids hub].
Listen to the song: [MP3]
Download: [12 Friends Clue Cards PDF]
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This has always been one of my favorite songs to teach — there’s nothing like hearing a whole class shout out disciples’ names! Let me know how your kids do with the ‘tick tock’ guessing game.