The
Apostles –
Becoming Unified Through Diversity
·
James
was probably the eldest of the two sons of Zebedee (Matt. 10:2) Being the
eldest in the Jewish culture meant greater responsibility and opportunities
·
Zebedee
was apparently an influential man. He was known to the high priest, and James'
brother was allowed access to Caiaphas' house, while Peter had to wait outside
(John 18:16)
·
James
had a shrewd mother, Salome (Matt. 27:56, Mk. 15:40; and James may have been a
cousin of Jesus (John 19:25)). She took her sons to Jesus and asked that they
be given special positions of prominence (Matt. 20:20-21) The three did not
understand that Jesus was not building an earthly kingdom. This caused problems
with the other disciples (Matt. 20:24), including Peter, who may felt
threatened by this end run
·
Think
of the qualities that James inherited from these parents. Jesus did not choose
spiritually mature men. But he did choose men with strong personalities, people
that he could mold.
·
Along
with Peter and John, James was among the three disciples closest to Jesus (Mark
5:37) Though it was a privilege, it might have been dangerous for a man with
aims of power. Even though Peter was leader of the disciples, James may have
enjoyed his closeness to Jesus for the power it might have brought him
·
James
was there on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1) and in the Garden (Mark
14:33)
·
Early
on, Jesus gave James and John a descriptive name, the "Sons of
Thunder" (Mark 3:17) Jesus recognized from the beginning their bombastic
qualities
·
Luke
records an incident showing James' thunder (Luke 9:51-56) Perhaps James was
thinking of Elijah's experience (II Kings 1:3-12). Jesus rebuked them for not
being "meek" and "merciful"
·
James
at one point was competitive, and valued power and influence. But Jesus used their
request to make a point about what Jesus was all about (Mark 10:42-45) It is
the mystery of the Christian life. We are to be servants (John 13:34-35)
·
Jesus
foretold that James would indeed drink from the same cup (Matt. 20:23) and
indeed, James was the first apostle to be martyred (Acts. 12:1-2)
·
Some
traditions state that James founded the church in Spain, but we don't know much
about James' ministry. Acts doesn't say much. It appears Herod had James killed
out of political motives, to make a point. Perhaps he was a bold spokesman, and
Herod chose one whose death would most intimidate the other apostles and
believers
#1) No matter what our family
background, Jesus can mold our lives into His image
#2) God is looking for dedicated
people with natural leadership skills who will become servant leaders
#3) Jesus wants to use our
competitive tendencies to build His kingdom, not our own
For
next week read Mark 9:38-41; John 19:25-27; John 13:12-35; John 20:30-31
