Who was James, the son of Zebedee?

James, the son of Zebedee, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament. He was among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and played a significant role in the early Christian movement. James is often referred to as “James the Great” to distinguish him from James, the son of Alphaeus. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, he witnessed key events in Jesus’ ministry and was the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred.

This article explores his background, his role among the apostles, his key moments in Scripture, his martyrdom, and his significance in Christian history.

The Background of James, the Son of Zebedee

His Family and Occupation

James was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John, another disciple of Jesus. His mother was likely Salome, who is believed to have been one of the women who followed and supported Jesus’ ministry (Mark 15:40-41). The family was involved in the fishing industry, as Zebedee owned a fishing business on the Sea of Galilee.

“Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:21-22, NKJV)

James and John, along with Simon Peter and Andrew, were fishermen before Jesus called them to be His disciples. Their occupation required hard work and perseverance, qualities that would later define their ministry.

The Calling

James was one of the earliest disciples Jesus called. When Jesus approached him and his brother while they were working, they immediately left everything to follow Him. This quick response demonstrates their faith and willingness to commit to Jesus’ mission.

James became one of Jesus’ closest disciples, alongside Peter and John. This inner circle was privileged to witness special moments in Jesus’ ministry.

His Role Among the Apostles

One of the “Sons of Thunder”

Jesus gave James and John the nickname “Boanerges,” which means “Sons of Thunder.”

“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’.” (Mark 3:17, NKJV)

This title likely reflected their fiery and zealous personalities. On one occasion, they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that rejected Him.

“And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:54-56, NKJV)

This account shows their zeal but also their need for spiritual growth. Jesus corrected them, emphasizing His mission of salvation rather than judgment.

A Witness to Jesus’ Transfiguration

James was one of the three disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus.

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.” (Mark 9:2-3, NKJV)

During this event, this disciple saw Jesus in His glorified form, along with Moses and Elijah. This experience affirmed Jesus’ divine nature and strengthened his faith in His Messiahship.

Present at the Raising of Jairus’ Daughter

James was also one of the select few who witnessed Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

“Then He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.” (Mark 5:40-42, NKJV)

This event demonstrated Jesus’ power over death and further revealed His identity as the Son of God.

Witness to Jesus’ Agony in Gethsemane

James was present with Peter and John in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus prayed before His arrest.

“Then He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.’” (Mark 14:33-34, NKJV)

Though the disciples, along with the others, fell asleep during this crucial time, he was still chosen to be a part of one of Jesus’ most intimate moments of suffering.

One Ambition

James and John, encouraged by their mother, once requested positions of honor in Jesus’ kingdom.

“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’ And He said to them, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.’” (Mark 10:35-37, NKJV)

Jesus responded by asking if they could endure the suffering that would come with following Him.

“But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized.” (Mark 10:38-39, NKJV)

This statement foreshadowed the suffering this disciple would later face as the first apostle to be martyred.

His Martyrdom

James was the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred.

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.” (Acts 12:1-2, NKJV)

King Herod Agrippa I had this disciple executed, making him the first of the twelve to die for his faith. His martyrdom fulfilled Jesus’ words that he would “drink the cup” of suffering.

The Significance of the Disciple in Christian History

James’ life exemplifies commitment, zeal, and transformation. Though initially passionate and ambitious, he matured into a faithful servant willing to die for Christ. His legacy teaches several important lessons:

1. The Call to Follow Christ Requires Sacrifice
   This disciple left his livelihood to follow Jesus, showing that true discipleship demands full commitment.
2. Spiritual Growth Takes Time
   His early zeal needed refining, and Jesus patiently guided him into greater understanding and humility.
3. Faithfulness in Persecution
   His martyrdom stands as a testimony to his unwavering faith. He remained faithful even unto death, inspiring generations of believers to stand firm in their faith.

Conclusion

James, the son of Zebedee, was a key disciple of Jesus and part of His inner circle. Though initially zealous and ambitious, he grew into a steadfast follower of Christ. His privileged experiences, from witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration to His agony in Gethsemane, shaped his understanding of who Jesus truly was. Ultimately, this disciple demonstrated his devotion by becoming the first apostle to be martyred for his faith.

His life serves as an example of what it means to follow Jesus with courage, commitment, and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel.