THE 12 DISCIPLES | JOHN (SON OF ZEBEDEE)

0. Introduction

a) Jesus' faithful disciples were ordinary men who became extraordinary because of Jesus Christ. Despite their confusion and lack of understanding during his lifetime, they became powerful witnesses to his resurrection. Their lives were transformed by God's power. The story of Jesus' disciples does not end with the Gospels. It continues in the book of Acts and many of the letters.

1. Name

a) John (son of Zebedee), James's brother, and "the disciple whom Jesus loved."

2. Occupation

a) Fisherman.

3. Outstanding characteristics

a) Ambitious, judgmental, later - very loving.

4. Major events in his life

a) Third disciple in the core group; asked Jesus for a place of honor in his kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village; a leader of the Jerusalem church; wrote the Gospel of John and 1,2,3 John and Revelation.

5. What Jesus said about him

a) Called James and John "Sons of Thunder"; said he would be a fisher of men; would drink the cup Jesus drank; would take care of Jesus' mother after Jesus' death.

6. A key lesson from his life

a) The transforming power of the love of Christ is available to all.

7. Selected text references

a) Mark 1:9

b) Mark 10:35-40

c) Luke 9:52-56

d) John 19:26-27

e) John 21:20-24