Devotional

James was the older brother of the apostle John, the sons of Zebedee, like Peter and Andrew, were fisherman by trade. The wife of Zebedee was Salome, who may have been Mary's sister. If this is so, it would mean that James and John were first cousins of Jesus. Like most of us, James' strongest attribute was also his weakest trait. Jesus gave them the nickname "Boanerges" or "sons of thunder"[11] James was ambitious. He and John asked for a place of honor in Christ's kingdom.[12] He along with Peter and John wanted to build three tabernacles at Christ's Transfiguration.[13] He learned that true greatness lies not in power and authority, but in humility and obedience to Christ. We know little more about James's ministry until about the year 44 when Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled: James was slain "with the sword" by Herod Agrippa I, and became the first of the Twelve to be martyred.[14]

Title

James the Great

Scripture

Devotional