James, the brother of John, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his close association with Jesus Christ as one of the twelve apostles. He is often referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from James the Less, another apostle. James and John were the sons of Zebedee and Salome, and they worked as fishermen before being called by Jesus to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22).

Call to Discipleship

James's call to discipleship is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. While mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called James and John, and they immediately left their father and their livelihood to follow Him (Mark 1:19-20). This immediate response highlights their commitment and willingness to embrace the mission of Christ.

Inner Circle

James, along with Peter and John, was part of Jesus' inner circle, a group of disciples who were granted special privileges and witnessed significant events. This trio was present at the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). These experiences underscore James's importance among the apostles and his close relationship with Jesus.

Sons of Thunder

James and John were nicknamed "Boanerges," meaning "Sons of Thunder," by Jesus (Mark 3:17). This moniker likely reflects their zealous and sometimes impetuous nature. An example of this is when they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that did not welcome them (Luke 9:54). Jesus rebuked them, teaching a lesson in mercy and restraint.

Ambition and Humility

James and John, through their mother Salome, requested positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom, asking to sit at His right and left (Matthew 20:20-21). This request led to a teaching moment where Jesus explained that greatness in His kingdom is marked by servanthood and sacrifice (Matthew 20:25-28). This incident reveals the human ambition of the apostles and the transformative teaching of Christ.

Martyrdom

James holds the distinction of being the first apostle to be martyred. His death is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where King Herod Agrippa I executed him by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). This event marked the beginning of a period of persecution for the early church. James's martyrdom is a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to the message of Christ.

Legacy

James's legacy is one of fervent discipleship and steadfast faith. As a member of Jesus' inner circle, he played a crucial role in the foundational period of the Christian church. His life and martyrdom serve as an enduring example of commitment to the Gospel, inspiring believers to live with courage and conviction.