James And John

by Toms, A. F. | Category: Some Of Peter's Companions | Apr 1986

There were two pairs of brothers who grew up together by the sea of Galilee, Peter and Andrew, and James and John. From boyhood days they'd lived by the sea in the fishing town of Capernaum. So it's not surprising that when school was over, fishermen they became. They loved the sea and everything about it. But one day another love came into their lives, stronger even than the call of the sea. They heard another call. It was the voice of the Son of God, saying "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). And it all happened on the very same day, as Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee. One by one they heard the call, faced its tremendous challenge, and decided there was only one way for them. And leaving home, and boats and nets, they rose up and followed Him.

But those early friendships forged around those well loved shores held good all through their lives. I'm sure Simon Peter would often thank God for the companionship of James and John. "Sons of thunder" they were called and maybe they were thundery friends at times. But I've no doubt that Peter could give as good as he got. And gradually their characters changed. Companying with the Son of God they grew to be like Him. John, for example, became known as the apostle of love.

One day these two brothers approached the Lord Jesus with a special request, that they might sit, one at his right hand and the other at his left, in His glory. The other ten apostles were indignant when they heard about it. But the lord Jesus didn't reprove them. Rather, He asked them a very proving question. "Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" "We are able" they said, (Mat. 20:22), probably little realizing all that was involved in their answer.

But the day came when they did, and to their credit it must be said that both of them showed their very real love for their Master by giving their lives for Him. James was the first of the apostolic band to die a martyr's death. He died by the sword at the hand of cruel king Herod. And John was the last, for a long life of service lay ahead of him before eventually he also joined the martyr band.

For years he and Simon Peter laboured together, encouraging one another in the work to which they pledged their lives that eventful day by Galilee's sea. And today it's just as though they were saying to each of our hearts,

I heard the call,

Come, follow; that's all.

Earth's joys grew dim,

my soul went after Him;

I rose and followed.

That's all.

Will you not follow,

if you hear His call?

Toms, A. F. | Apr 1986
Some Of Peter's Companions