Just two days ago, on July 25, the church commemorated the apostle James, one of the twelve disciples and one of the first to join Jesus. What do we know about James?  Can we paint a fuller picture of this very human apostle with his strengths and weaknesses?

James was the brother of John, both sons of Zebedee and Salome.   The two were with their father at the seashore when they were called to leave their nets and follow Jesus.  James was a fisherman, I picture a hearty strong man.  He is referred to as James “the Greater,” meaning older or taller, not more important than the other disciple named James.  

I think it’s safe to picture James as robust, outspoken and impulsive. He and John earned the nickname “sons of thunder.”  Yet, he was one of three disciples selected by Jesus to bear witness to His Transfiguration.  What an awesome moment that must have been.   And what was their response?  James and John impulsively asked Jesus to grant them seats on His right and left in all His glory.  Yes, Jesus rebuked them, and other disciples were annoyed with them.  Later it was James and John who wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan town that would not receive Jesus.  Again they were rebuked by Jesus.  In 44 AD James was executed by the sword in Jerusalem, the first of the twelve disciples to die a martyr’s death.  To the very end, he steadfastly refused to deny his Savior.

What can we learn from James?  He was not perfect, but he was unwavering in his faith.   We see Jesus’ unconditional love for men who were strong and impulsive, as well as those who were meek and mild.  We see Jesus rebuking James when he erred, but we also see Jesus forgiveness. 

How do we see ourselves?   What comes to your mind:  strong, weak, impulsive, thoughtful, outspoken, shy?   Looking at the disciples, we can be assured that our Lord has a place for each of us.  He will find a use for all of our talents, no matter how different they may be.  It is He who has made us as we are, it is He who calls us to serve Him, to spread the unconditional love with which He showers us.

Judy