We continue this week looking at the apostles of Christ. Last week, we saw Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, one very prominent, the other somewhat in the shadows of his brother, but both faithful servants of the Lord and fit examples for us to follow. As we now continue, let us turn our attention to the sons of Zebedee.

JAMES AND JOHN
Priof to following the Lord, James and John laboured as fishermen with their father Zebedee (Matthew 4:21). In fact, they were partners with Simon and Andrew (Luke 5:10). Being called from mending their nets, James and John, along with Peter, became a close group of friends with Jesus (Matthew 17:1; 26:37; Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33; Luke 8:51; 9:28). In the gospel that bears his name, John used the phrase "...disciple whom Jesus loved..." to refer to himself (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

Jesus nicknamed these brothers "the sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). There is no explanation in the context as to the reason for the name. Some have supposed that it was due to their sometimes fiery temperament, evidenced by their rebuke of some who had cast out demons in the Lord's name, but were not follow with them (Luke 9:49) and their thought to strike with fire a Samaritan village which would not receive Him (Luke 9:51-56). It may be this impassioned spirit in general which prompted the title, or perhaps more specifically, their application of such fervor in learning from Him and teaching others.

Quite in line with this intense character of James and John, we find them at one point approaching the Lord, along with their mother, seeking to be given places of prominence when the Lord came into His kingdom (Mark 10:35; Matthew 20:20). Such a request resulted in displeasure among the other disciples (Matthew 20:24), and prompted the Lord to teach them all about true greatness, which is only attainable through serving others (Matthew 20:25-28).

Having mentioned their mother, let it also be known that this woman, the wife of Zebedee, was among the woman who also walked with and ministered to the needs of Jesus (Matthew 27:56).

Following the resurrection of Christ, we noted last week that Peter became quite prominent among the disciples. John also, as his name is recorded along with Peter's in many instances in the first portion of the book of Acts (3:1, 3, 4, 11; 4:13, 19; 8:14). John, like Peter, was counted by Paul as a "...pillar of the church..." which was at Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9).

Like Andrew, mention of James in the New Testament record is sparse. No specific works of his are mentioned in the book of Acts, but it is revealed that he was the first of the apostles to be put to death for the cause of Christ, having been slain with the sword by Herod (Acts 12:2).

The character and love of John for the will of God are preserved for the world in tha we have five books of the New Testament from his pen. The gospel account, which is unique which set next to the synoptic gospels, along with three short epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), and the Revelation which was given to John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).

Friend, may we seek to imitate the great zeal which motivated the Lord to call these two "sons of thunder". May it be our intent in the service of the Lord to forthrightly and wholeheartedly proclaim the praise and glory of God.