#boanerges

🟢"vaso interamente fatto a mano senza tornio.".

What would you do if you were presented with a life-changing opportunity?  Would you be willing to give up everything you have to go after that opportunity?  Even if you may end up with nothing?

Let’s read together Matthew 10:2 and Mark 3:17.

Today we are going to study the disciples James and John, the sons of Zebedee.

Let’s read together Matthew 4:21-22 and Mark 1:19-20.

James and John were fishermen who worked with their father Zebedee.  They came from a relatively wealthy family, since they had hired servants working with them.  James and John immediately dropped everything when Jesus called them to follow Him.

Let’s read together Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 5:35-43; Mark 14:33-34; Luke 8:49-56; and Luke 9:28-32.

Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His closest followers.  However, it seems that there was an inner circle within that group.  Jesus only permitted James, John, and Peter to be with Him when He resurrected Jairus’ daughter.  James, John, and Peter were given the special privilege of seeing Jesus glorified on a mountain.  James, John, and Peter were closest to Jesus when He prayed at Gethsemane.

Let’s read together Mark 3:17 one more time.

 Interestingly, Jesus nicknamed James and John “the sons of thunder.”  Why were they called that?

Let’s read together Mark 10:35-45.

James and John upset the other disciples when they audaciously asked to sit at the left and right hand of Jesus when He came into glory.  However, Jesus gently rebuked all His disciples.  He explained to them true greatness comes not from obtaining a position of authority, but in serving others.

Let’s read together Luke 9:51-56.

Samaritan villagers refused to welcome Jesus because he planned to go to Jerusalem.  James and John asked Jesus if they could call fire down from heaven to destroy the village.  Why would James and John request such a thing?  Perhaps they were trying to show Jesus how zealous they were.  They were willing to destroy anyone who insulted Him.  

However, Jesus rebuked them.  Jesus reminded James and John the goal of His ministry on earth was the salvation of people, not their destruction.  Jesus did not want His followers to harm or destroy people in His name.  

James and John had a misguided zeal.  It may have been sincere, but it was in the wrong spirit.  Think of people who claim to be Christians, but have driven people from Christ with their hypocritical and judgmental actions.

Jesus wants His disciples to be zealous, but not for honor or material gain.  Rather, Jesus wants His disciples to be humble, loving people who are zealous to bring people to Him.