Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: James and John

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Faith in Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, and the lives of the apostles James and John provide profound insights into the nature and development of this faith. As two of Jesus' closest disciples, their journey of faith is marked by moments of both human frailty and spiritual growth.

James, the Son of Zebedee

James, often referred to as James the Greater, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. Along with his brother John, he left his fishing nets to follow Christ (Matthew 4:21-22). James' faith is characterized by his willingness to abandon his livelihood and family to pursue the call of Jesus, demonstrating a trust in Christ's mission and authority.

James was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing significant events such as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3). This experience likely deepened his faith, as he saw Jesus' divine nature revealed. However, James also exhibited moments of misunderstanding and ambition, as seen when he and John requested to sit at Jesus' right and left in His glory (Mark 10:35-37). Jesus used this moment to teach them about true greatness and servanthood, indicating that faith in Christ involves humility and a willingness to serve others (Mark 10:42-45).

James' faith ultimately led him to become the first apostolic martyr, as recorded in Acts 12:1-2 . His willingness to die for his faith in Christ underscores the depth of his commitment and belief in the message of the Gospel.

John, the Son of Zebedee

John, the brother of James, is often referred to as the "beloved disciple" (John 13:23). His faith journey is marked by a deep personal relationship with Jesus, which is evident in his writings. John was present at many pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry, including the Transfiguration and the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33).

John's faith is further illustrated in his Gospel, where he emphasizes belief in Jesus as the Son of God. He records Jesus' words, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6), highlighting the exclusivity and necessity of faith in Christ for salvation.

John's epistles further expound on the nature of faith, emphasizing love as a fundamental expression of belief in Christ (1 John 4:7-8). His writings reflect a mature faith that understands the transformative power of Christ's love and the importance of living out that love in community.

John's faith also endured through persecution and exile, as seen in his authorship of Revelation while on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). His visions and writings during this time reveal a steadfast faith in the ultimate victory of Christ and the hope of eternal life for believers.

Conclusion

The faith of James and John in Christ is a testament to the transformative power of following Jesus. Their lives illustrate the journey from initial belief to mature faith, marked by moments of both human weakness and divine revelation. Through their experiences, they provide a model of faith that is rooted in trust, humility, and love, ultimately leading to a life of service and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 4:21,22
And going on from there, he saw other two brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 1:19,20
And when he had gone a little farther there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
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Library

The Touch of Faith
... the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three
disciples, Peter, James, and John ... A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 36 the touch of.htm

On Faith
The Works of James Arminius, Vol. ... is that of the elect of God; it is not the faith
of all ... No man believes in Christ except he has been previously disposed and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on faith.htm

Concerning Faith and Baptism.
... is baptism by blood and martyrdom, [2327] which baptism Christ Himself underwent ...
not behove [2339] us to delay baptism when the faith of those ... [2314] James 2:26 ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter ix concerning faith and baptism.htm

1 John iv. 21, v. 1
... By faith he understands, not what James calls a ... Faith, in the Johannic sense,
presupposes all that is ... in the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Christ, in knowing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 21 v.htm

John at ??non.
... a faith that trusts all and surrenders all to the will of Christ, is born ... It is not
"faith alone" that gives life, but "faith made perfect" by ... See James 2:22. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/john at aenon.htm

The victory of Faith.
... baptized with the spirit which makes them, like James and John ... operation, but in
the object of the faith"to believe that Jesus is the Christ is the ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm

The Jewish Christian Theology --I. James and the Gospel of Law.
... of the same Abraham who showed his true faith in God ... But in this case, James, as
a sensible and practical ... John the Baptist prepared the way for that of Christ. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 69 the jewish christian.htm

The Healing Power of the Name
... Paul from Peter, Peter from James, and Paul and Peter and James from John ... we are
depends on the reality, the firmness, and the force of our faith in Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the healing power of the.htm

Three Aspects of Faith
... in a set of dogmas, on the authority of Jesus Christ, about which ... and which make
no difference upon our lives, is the faith about which James has so many ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/three aspects of faith.htm

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
... them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? ... of miracles in these chapters shows
us Christ as the ... as the little boat, probably belonging to James and John ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the peace-bringer in the natural.htm