The Disciples: James the Less

James the Less is often referred in this way, because there were two James in the apostle.  The other was James, the son of Zebedee, who is often referred to as James the greater.                 We know very little about James the less, but let’s explore the little we are told.                 In the list of Jesus disciples, we discover […]

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The Disciples: James

James was the brother of John.  He was the son of Zebedee and his mother is believed to be Salome. The name James is a version of Jacob, meaning to supplant. James is always listed first, leading to the belief he was the older of the two.  James and John, along with their father, were fishermen.  The men were fishing […]

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The Disciples: Simon the Zealot

Simon the Zealot is one of the most obscure of the disciples. The name Simon is a Greek name meaning to listen. Luke listed in the list of the apostles, “Simon called Zelotes.”  {Luke 6:14-16} The Zealotes were a political movent in the Jewish temple of the first century. This group sought to incite a rebellion against the Roman Empire. […]

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The Disciples: Matthew Levi

Matthew once again is a disciple we do not know much about.  Many scholars believe he is also the tax collector Levi and as with Simon Peter and Judas Thaddeus, his name is interchangeable. The name Matthew means gift of God, while Levi means joined and attached. “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, […]

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The Disciples: Judas Thaddeus

We first meet Thaddeus in the list of disciples of Jesus.  “…Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus.”  {Matthew 10:3} The name Thaddeus is believed to be a Aramaic form of the Greek name, which means a courageous heart. The name Lebbaeus is a form of Judas or Jude, to which it is believed he is often referred to later in scripture. […]

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The Disciples: Andrew

Andrew was a brother of Simon Peter.  The brothers were from the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The Greek culture and language were very significant in the area. His name is Greek, instead of the traditional Hebrew, of the Jews. The name Andrew means manly, brave, manhood and valour. Peter and Andrew were both fishermen by trade, […]

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The Disciples: John

After Peter, we probably know more about John than any of the other disciples. Many believe John and his brother, were followers of John the Baptist.  However, these followers are never mentioned by name.  {John 1:35-39} Scripture first shows Jesus interaction with John and his brother on the sea shore.  Actually, Jesus came upon Peter and Andrew first and “going […]

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The Disciples: Simon Peter

We have been looking at the life of Jesus through the eyes of the witnesses of his birth and death.  However, what about his life?  Other, than his mother, those who knew him best were his inner circle, the twelve disciples.  But who were these men?  What do we know about them and what happened to them after Jesus ascension […]

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James and John, the Sons of Thunder

Last week, we met James and John with their father, Zebedee.  Jesus has called James, John and Simon {Peter} who was with them as fishers of men.  However, he has a special command for these men also. “James and John were brothers. They were the sons of Zebedee. He named them Boanerges, which means, The Sons of Thunder.”  {Mark 3:17} […]

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Hope in the Bible: Jesus Raises from the Grave

We all need hope and the greatest hope comes in Jesus Christ.  He provided hope for his followers when he rose from the grave. The other day, we discussed how uncertain times were for the disciples and women who followed Jesus. He had been crucified and was gone. Their hearts heavy as they celebrated the sabbath. Mary Magdalene and some […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Joanna, wife of Chuza

Another of Jesus followers is Joanna. “And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”  {Luke 8:3} The name Joanna means the Lord has been gracious. Apparently, Joanna is important.  Her husband is Chuza, who is Herod’s steward. Her husband worked for Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. […]

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John, after the Transfiguration

The book of Acts opens with the transfiguration and then the men return to the upper room to wait. John is mentioned along with the other disciples. While in the upper room the Holy Spirit comes upon them. “Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”  {Acts 2:43} John was with Peter, when his friend performed his first miracle.  […]

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John, Willing to Suffer for Jesus

The disciples did not understand Jesus purpose, nor his power at times. A crowd was following Jesus to Jerusalem.  We are told they are afraid of what’s to come. He took the twelve disciples aside and tried to prepare them for what was to come. He told them he would be beat, made fun of, spit on and killed.  {Mark […]

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Peter and John

We have been review John’s relationship with Jesus and his eyewitness to not only Easter, but the life of Jesus. However, there is one other man who is often mentioned with John and that is Peter. Clearly, we know Peter and John knew one another before they met Jesus, because Peter is with Zebedee and his sons, when Jesus comes […]

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John in the Garden of Gethsemane

After the Passover meal ended, Jesus went to Gethsemane which is a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and […]

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John, Preparing the Passover Meal

We know John is one of Jesus inner circle, along with his brother James and Simon Peter. James and John have been renamed the Sons of Thunder and we explored the power in their words last week. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, where they will celebrate the Passover meal. “Jesus sent Peter and John and said, “Go and get […]

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