One of the things I seem to be getting a new perspective on from this lesson series is the relationship between Jesus and the disciples. This Sunday, we will be looking at James, who was given (in concert with his brother - John) the nickname "Sons of Thunder" by Christ. I think about Peter having the nickname - "the Rock" which John MacArthur notes was used as a pat on the back for him when he lived up to the consistency that Christ was building up in him. Then we see this other nickname and in this instance, we might perhaps see it as being used to gently "talk down" these two brothers when they got a bit too hot around the collar :-)
Some biblical references for you to take a look at before Sunday:
2 Kings 1:3-7Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Matthew 17:1; 20:20-24Mark 5:37; 13:3; 14:33Luke 9:51-56Acts 12:1-3
As you read these passages, esp. those in the NT, keep an eye out for things that you think may indicate that James was a rather passionate apostle and how that played into his discipleship. Also take a shot at the following:
* "Zeal can be a quality of one who is spiritually mature. But that is not always the case. Zeal is the root of the word 'zealots', people who were known to kill to achieve their political ends. What differences do you detect in the zealousness for God as seen in John 2:17 and Romans 10:2? What appears to be the determining factor that makes for godly zeal?"
* "James obviously was familiar with the Old Testament account of Elijah calling down fire on the emissaries of Ahaziah. He knew the Scriptures, but the manner in which he let the Lord know what was on him (and his brother's) mind was not scripturally sound. What was only too apparent in his words - 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them' ?(Luke 9:54)"
* "James was the first disciple to lose his life (other than Judas who took his own life). … Herod's decision to go after James no doubt had to do with James's personality. But what do you gather from the fact that James did not run away from the contract put on his life?"
* "James and John's desire to call down fire indicates that it is indeed possible to sound religious but have wrong motives. When do you think people are most tempted to cover their wrong motives by quoting a verse or example from the Bible?"
I think that should give you something to chew on before Sunday :-). I look forward to seeing you in class on Sunday and have a wonderful and blessed day!
Grace and peace,
Deji.For CT