Series: Getting Acquainted With The 12 Apostles [#2]
JAMES- SON OF THUNDER
Mark 3:17
Introduction:
James and John were called the “Sons of Thunder.” James usually is mentioned before John as though he were the leader of the 2. However, it was probably due to that fact that he was the older brother. He was a fisherman by trade and worked with his father, Zebedee, and his brother John. The story of his call is very simple. He had heard of Jesus and had possibly heard Him speak. 1 day, Jesus passed by when James and John were mending their nets by the seashore. Jesus turned, looked at them, and said, “Come, follow me.” Immediately, they left their nets and father and followed Him.
Mark 3:17 (NIV)
17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”).
James was…
1. Determined.
James was a very determined person. He would set his eyes on something; and would go for it. There are times that determination is good and there are times that it is not. When James’ and John’s mother went with them to Jesus to ask that 1 sit at Jesus’ left and 1 sit at Jesus’ right of His Heavenly Throne; Jesus asked, “Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of”? They replied, “We are able.” We know that they did not fully understand what Jesus was talking about. They never knew he was speaking of death on a cross. They wanted to have outstanding position, but it seemed they did not understand the real meaning of life. We want greatness, but we have not counted the cost of greatness. We have determination; but we forget that it takes sacrifice to do important things.
We want to do great things; but we do not want to pay the price for them. Some churches would like to grow; but they are not willing to pay the price of growth. Some of us would like to see souls saved; but are we willing to become personal soul winners that people might be won? People should not accept places of leadership unless they plan to give their best to that position. Thrones are reached only by drinking the cup- A cup of suffering, service, sacrifice, criticism, loneliness, and maybe even death.
James wanted a seat by the throne. Look at what he got- Years of service, hardship, persecution, and finally- The swish of a headsman’s sword. The world’s idea of greatness is a pyramid with man at its peak, stetting on a throne. Jesus’ idea of greatness is an “inverted pyramid,” the nearer the peak the greater the burden, the heavier the load. At the cross Jesus Christ reached the “peak of the pyramid,” as the burden fell upon Him. He was crushed by the world’s sin.
James was…
2. Courageous.
James had courage to stand for Christ regardless of parental influence. His father was evidently a wealthy man. He had several boats and many hired servants. It is very likely that his sons’ leaving the family business to follow Jesus dashed Zebedee’s hopes for the future. If Zebedee did not himself come to faith in Christ, (and there is no evidence in Scripture one way or the other) it would have been hard for him to accept his sons’ decision. James had courage to stand up for Christ in the face of hardships and danger. James was faithful in spite of difficulties. James had courage to stand in the face of death.
James was…
3. Passionate.
James was on fire for the Lord. His passion for Christ led him to be faithful to Christ. He was passionate although he received very little recognition. Some are on fire for God as long as they are being given credit and praise; but as soon as that is gone, their passion is gone. Even his death only received 2 verses of Scripture.
Acts 12:1-2 (NIV)
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
