Bible character overview - James
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Time to read 4 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of James. Here you'll learn about who James was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of James to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was James from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 5 B.C to 60 A.D
- Where: Galilee
- Name meaning: ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel’
Glimpse: James son of Zebedee was a disciple of Jesus and was part of the 'inner three' including Peter and John. His salvation was similar to the other disciples in leaving everything to follow Christ. James witnessed some amazing things and was obedient until death showing his commitment and loyalty to Jesus and his ministry.
James called
James and his brother John were working alongside Peter and Andrew when they witnessed the miracle Jesus performed by providing them with so much fish that their nets began to break. They were amazed by the miracle. Just as Jesus had called Peter and Andrew, He saw James and John in their boat, and immediately called them to follow Him. Without hesitation, they left their boat and their father, Zebedee, and followed Jesus.
Matthew 4:21-22:
"Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
Questions
→ What does it mean to lay your life down for Christ?
→ What have you had to lay down for Jesus? What would you tell someone who asks 'Was it worth it?'?
"Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."
Sons of thunder
James and his brother John were given the nickname “Sons of Thunder,” likely due to their fiery temperament or passionate nature. Luke 9:51-56 provides insight into their character:
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him; but the people there did not welcome him because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.”
Questions
→ What does this section tell you about James and his brother John?
→ Do you think our character and temperament play a role in how we are used by God?
"James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”)''
Inner circle
James was one of the three closest disciples to Jesus and witnessed several significant events. He was present when Jesus raised Jairus's daughter, who was believed to be dead, allowing only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him. James also witnessed the Transfiguration, where Jesus was transformed into His glorified state, alongside Moses and Elijah. Additionally, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus took only these three, including James, for support during His intense prayer.
During this time, Herod sought to gain favor with the Jews and began persecuting the early Christians. According to Acts 12:2, Herod "had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword," making James the first apostle to be martyred for his faith in Jesus.
Questions
→ What stands out to you in James's story?
→ What experiences have you had with God? In what way did these experiences draw you closer to Him?
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.”
Strengths:
- Obedience: James left everything to follow Jesus, even becoming the first martyr for his faith
- Favored: James was part of the privileged three who were closest to Jesus and saw and experienced Incomprehensible things
Weaknesses:
- Fiery: Like his brother John, James needed to reign it back a bit and was even rebuked in Luke 9 for his hot temper
Conclusion
We learn from James that obedience is key and that being close to Jesus is a good place to be. James was willing to lay his life down even to death and I believe this is a factor of why he was so close to Jesus. Although he may have had a hot temper, James was used mightily by God and is an inspiration to all believers.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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