John Son Of Thunder 2 Series

Sermon: John Sons of Thunder 2 by Pastor Michael McCartney

Summary of sermon: This sermon titled "Sons of Thunder" emphasizes the significance of following Jesus, showcasing the transformation of the disciples James and John from being known as the "Sons of Thunder" to embodying the qualities of love and humility as leaders in the early church. The document explores their journey, underscoring the importance of being bold witnesses for Christ and the potential for growth in every believer.

Thesis: The Sons of Thunder teach us the importance following Jesus. They demonstrate what it means to be a bold witness for Jesus. Their lives show us how God can and will transform us into what he wants us to be. Like when John went from Son of Thunder to Apostle of love.

Scripture:

Mark 3:16-19: 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Luke 9:54: Samaritan Opposition

51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy thema?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village.

1 John 4

Introduction:

Jesus had 12 disciples but out of the twelve 3 were closest to Jesus – Peter who we have talked about a few weeks ago - Peter also known as The Rock” and James and John also known as the Sons of Thunder or (Bo-aner-gas)

It’s interesting to note that these three closest disciples to Jesus received names from Jesus while the others did not!

If you research name changes in the Bible – you discover Jesus and God in the Bible - have changed people’s names to reflect their character and their mission for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Summary from last week’s sermon on James the Son of Thunder 1

I. James the greater (older) a Son of Thunder

i. The name Son of thunder:

1. IN Revelation it says that in the throne room of God: “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of THUNDER. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5

a. It seems like – every time thunder was mentioned in Scripture, it was a display of the power of God.

b. In fact, Job 40:9 says “Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like His?”

2. It’s like the voice of THUNDER, was the VOICE OF GOD.

a. So could it be that when Jesus renamed James and John the “Sons of Thunder” it was HIS way of saying --- THIS is who you’re going to become?

b. You will become the VOICE of God; You will become men who will declare the POWER of God.

ii. James was probably the older of the two brothers because he was always mentioned first.

iii. Three times James, John, and Peter were invited by Jesus to witness events no one else saw: the raising of the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Mark 5:37-47), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3), and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37).

1. But James was not above making mistakes. When a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, he and John wanted to call down fire from heaven upon the place. This earned them the nickname "Boanerges," or "sons of thunder." The mother of James and John also overstepped her bounds, asking Jesus to grant her sons special positions in his kingdom.

2. James' zeal for Jesus resulted in his being the first of the 12 apostles to be martyred. He was killed with the sword on order of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, about 44 A.D., in a general persecution of the early church.

iv. Application of the Apostle James lessons on life:

1. James the apostle was part of Jesus' inner circle, alongside Peter and his brother John. witnessing the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Transfiguration, and Jesus' agony in Gethsemane.

2. Known for his zeal and dedication, James was the first of the 12 apostles to be martyred, a sign of his commitment to his faith.

3. Despite his initial weaknesses and rashness, James' faith strengthened after Jesus' resurrection, ultimately leading him to proclaim the gospel and endure martyrdom.