Seize the Moment – Day 485

The Disciples: John & James (Pt 1)

Matthew 4:21 (NLT)              

 

“A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too.”

 

Here are some fun facts. John and Andrew were disciples of John the Baptist. The brothers John and James were in a fishing business with their father, Zebedee, and with the brothers Andrew and Simon (aka Peter).

 

Their mother, Salome, was a sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. So, this would have made them first cousins.  Trying to use her influence as his aunt, she asked Jesus to secure a place for both of her boys within His top leadership, which did not go well with the other disciples.

 

James and John also had the nickname of “Sons of Thunder”, given to them by Jesus. One time during their ministry with Jesus, they offered to “call down fire from heaven and destroy them” (Luke 9:54) when a Samaritan village denied them a place to stay. They also both had a strong passion and enthusiasm for sharing the message of Christ. So it’s easy to understand both explanations.

 

Peter, James and John became part of the inner circle, more closely involved with Jesus, as compared to the other disciples. This was not because of the family connection, but rather because of the potential Jesus saw in them.

 

It’s time to wake up and realize that Jesus sees the potential in all of us and wants to help us be all that we can be for the kingdom of God. He will never force us, but is asking us to come follow Him, and He will make it happen.

 
 
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YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
Videos are posted about a week after the devotion appears in the blog.
 

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