Big Idea: James and John are the Sons of Thunder. Similar in personality, but wholly different in purpose. James is called upon to be the first Apostle to be martyred for his faith. John is the last of the Apostles to die. Each of their ministries unique, each a privilege.
James the Be-______________________________
Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James…
Mark 3:16–18 (ESV) — 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew…
Luke 9:51-56
James, the Greater, was impassioned to see Christ receive the glory he deserved.
Matthew 20:20-28 (pg 774)
Acts 12:1–3 (ESV) — 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
“The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apostles’ Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the Christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders.
The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle’s extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time. Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Savior he was ready to drink.” Fox’s Book of Martyrs
James is privileged to hold the title among the Apostles as the first to be martyred for his faith, for this was the purpose for which the Lord Jesus called him to.
John the Be-_______________________
Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John…
John is called to walk closely with Jesus well into his old age.
John 19:24-27 (pg 851)
Reclining at meals had become a custom among people in NT times. Guests would recline three to a couch in the Greco-Roman fashion, leaning on their left elbow while leaving their right hand free to dip food from the common dish. The guests on each couch reclined in such a way that each rested his head near the breast of the one behind him.
John died in old age and he served the church all his days, for this was the purpose for which the Lord Jesus called him to.
Questions to Consider
What was the Lord’s purpose for James? What was the Lord’s purpose for John?
What is the Lord’s purpose for you? Are you content with this purpose?
