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Part 3
James
According to the New Testament, James was chosen as one of Jesus' disciples at the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 4:21-22). He was the son of Zebedee and was involved in Jesus' ministry with his brother John.
James and his brother John were called by Jesus "Lesonias," meaning "sons of thunder." This can indicate a strong, passionate personality.
James and John competed for high positions at Jesus' side, and at one point their mother came to ask Jesus to let her two sons sit on his right and left in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20- twenty three). Jesus replied that it was not up to him to decide, but that they had to be slaves to the other disciples.
James and the other disciples went through the time of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. However, in Acts 12 we learn that Jacob was the first disciple to be killed by the Jew Herod Agabus.
Although the end of James' life came early, his involvement and witness to Jesus' ministry as a disciple of Jesus was significant. His story reminds us to follow Jesus with humility, serve others, and serve God's kingdom.
