21-Zebedee-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus

Vol. III: Hearts Afire

Zebadee
EMPTY NET SYNDROME

Late Spring AD 27
Capernaum, Galilee

�� The Sea of Galilee is remote from Jerusalem, that hub of Jewish activity, that wheel which turns the political and religious machinery.

�� Nothing of real earth-shaking importance occurs around the Sea of Galilee ~ at least, not to the Jews.� The population overall is mixed. Pagans from the north and east.� Certainly not the kind of people who would make a huge difference in the way the country goes.

�� Lots of poor people here, brought in to populate Herod's and Philip's newly built cities.� Still, their way of life remains pretty much the same.� Relatively quiet in their perpetual sameness.� Really not much to notice by the rest of the Jewish world.

�� Lots of entrepreneurs here in this crossroads to the the remote lands near the edge of the world in the far, far East. Ultra civilized and then ultra barbaric as far west as the big water that's uncrossable.� People willing to leave the beaten path of society.� People willing to search out challenges with an adventurous gusto, and meet them with a rough and tough stamina.� A mountain?� What can be done with it?� A very large lake?� What can be done with that?� How about that desert?� And those extreme temperatures?�

�� Ah yes, the stuff the pioneer life is made of.� And thrives on.� And grows strong in.� Pioneers certainly don't need the masses' approval to do any of these things.� They're rugged individualists.� You do your thing.� I'll do mine.

�� Jesus chooses to set up his headquarters in such a place as this.� A little while ago he stayed there a few days with his family and four aides looking around and they liked what they saw. [1]

�� Jesus liked what he saw for his work.� Professional politicians would try to destroy him were he to move too close to the nation's capital.� So would the professional religionists.� Believe it or not, jealousy ever present.� Repositioning for power always there.� Or the disgruntled terrorists sometimes called zealots who would thrust Jesus to the forefront too quickly in order to destroy their enemies in high places.� Jerusalem would be all wrong.

�� Jesus chooses Capernaum, Galilee, as his headquarters.� Politics rather quiet.� Religion unassuming and predictable.� Except for those who claim no religion at all, other than a vague acknowledgment of God.� At least they're not hypocrites.� Or those who accept all religions ~ though they know little about any of them. [2]

�� Thus far, four men have been allowed to join Jesus on his first preaching tour around Judea, including their brief stay in Jerusalem. [3] But their time away from work must stop.� They all have to make a living.� But, whenever possible, they do still make time for Jesus, attending as many discourses as possible.

�� Andrew, Peter and Philip all grew up in Bethsaida, Galilee. [4] But Andrew and Peter have moved to Capernaum not too far away on the lake.� They've gone into business with James and John and their father, Zebedee. �That's another reason Jesus thinks it's a good idea to move to Capernaum. [5]

�� One day, as James and John work with their father on boat repairs, Zebedee brings up the subject that's sometimes a sore point ~ and growing sorer.

�� "I'm glad you've settled back down, son.� You and your brother are going to have to run the business after I retire."

�� "You're right, Father,"James replies.� But he wonders to himself if he can really do it, considering the growing impact Jesus is having on his life.� He may go into politics instead. [6]

�� "Father," John interrupts.� "When are we going to get the sails fixed for this boat?� Can't keep putting it off."

�� "You know the fishing hasn't been good lately."

�� "Hey, Zebedee!� Got time for a break?� Let your boys take over.� All your problems will be there when you get back."

�� "Obadiah, I think you're right.� Take over, boys."

�� The two men walk up from the shore to where Obadiah has left his gear and the wine skins.� They each take a swig, then settle down on the ground.

�� "Well, how's business?� Any better than mine?"

�� "I see the handwriting on the wall, Obadiah."

��"What do you mean?"

�� "I wasn't born yesterday.� They're getting the fever."

�� "Your sons?� What fever?"

�� "This time next year they'll be gone."

�� Silence.

�� "All they ever talk about is Jesus.� He's going to make it to the top they say.� And they say they'll be there to rise with him."

�� "That's just talk, Zebedee.� You know how idealistic young folks are.� It's just pipe dreams."

�� "No, it's more than that.� Have you heard Jesus speak?"

�� "Who in these parts hasn't?� He preaches at the synagogue, in the city square, even down here by the shore sometimes.� You know that."

�� "He's young like my sons.� Actually, he's my wife's nephew. [7] But he speaks with authority.� He's different.� Sometimes he speaks like an old man ~ a wise old man.� That scares me."

�� "Are those rumors of miracles getting to you, Zebedee?"

�� "My boys saw the miracle at Cana personally.� They wouldn't lie to me, Obadiah." [8]

�� "What does your wife think about all this?"

�� "Salome agrees with the boys.� She thinks Jesus has the potential to overthrow our government with the help of God and become our next king.� She thinks our boys should be in on it if the opportunity is offered.� That's three against one."

��"Well, back to work.� Hope everything works out for you, Zebedee."

�� "Yeah.� Say a prayer for me."

�� "Got cha!"

�� He walks back down to his boat.

�� "Mother has just left.� She brought us some lunch for tonight."

�� "Middle-of-the-night lunches.� That's some life," James comments as he double checks the nets with his brother before casting off. [9]

�� "Sir Zebedee, Samuel had to take off tonight.� He's fighting a bad cough."

�� "Is everyone else here?"

�� "Four of us, plus your sons, and the guys in the other boat." [10]

�� "Yeah, Andrew and Peter.� They've already gone out."

�� "Okay, let's get these nets repaired so we can get out there and join them.� It'll be night soon."

�� The sun is red on the horizon.� The waters are calm.� Surely fishing will finally go well.

�� "Wait!"

�� Zebedee sighs.� It's that Jesus again.� Hey, what are Andrew and Peter doing with him?� Thought they cast off half an hour ago.

�� "I have a job for you, James and John," Jesus says.

�� "We're going with Jesus tonight to fish for mankind," Andrew explains.

�� "He was watching us fish not far from shore and started explaining things to us.� He needs us.� Jesus needs our help tonight." [11]

�� "James.� John." Jesus interrupts.� "I will show you how to fish for men.� Go with me."

�� They look over at their father.� Zebedee's looking away from Jesus out into the water.� Jesus is ruining everything!

�� "Father!� Father!"

�� "Yes, Son."

�� "We want to go with Jesus tonight.� You've got enough help.� Please, Father.� It's important.� It's just one night."

�� Zebedee continues to look into the horizon and the setting sun creating a golden hue.� Are his dreams setting too?� Never to rise again?� Are his golden years to disappear into the night all because of this Jesus?

�� The two interpret his silence as ascent and quietly respond with, "Thanks, Father.� See you in the morning."

�� Jesus walks off with Zebedee's dreams, his family business, his pride and joy.� How can Jesus snatch it all from him like this?

�� "Cast off!" he shouts at his hired crew.� We've got work to do!" [12]

�� Jesus holds a lecture that night at the town square.� The moon is full and bright and the townspeople delight in this early evening diversity.�

�� The men accompanying him are surprised at the size of the crowd.� They're not the only ones who believe Jesus will take over the country and Jerusalem by storm.� King of kings ~ that's what he'll be.

�� The next day they go back to their boats, knowing they cannot leave it unattended for very long at a time.� Father is getting older, you know.

�� Andrew, Peter, James and John have accepted the call to fish for men all right.� But it hasn't really taken hold.� Or perhaps they haven't really understood.� The sacrifice.� They don't understand that yet.� And Father Zebedee.� Got to consider him too.

�� Jesus needs a little more time with them to get a real commitment.� He takes them with him whenever possible.� One day at the synagogue Jesus startles everyone.� No, he doesn't startle.� He flabbergasts them.� Makes their minds reel. �It can't be! It's impossible! [13]

�� But they see it with their own eyes.� Mother Salome and Father Zebedee are at the synagogue and see it too.� It's a man they've known for years ~ a good man.� Jesus actually casts a demon out of him!�

�� Demons don't exist.� Oh yes, they do!� But he can't control the other world, the spirit world.� Obviously he can!� But Jesus, just because you're a good preacher, it doesn't mean you're a know-it-all.� You can't know and control the unknowable and unseeable.� But Jesus obviously can! [14]

�� Now Peter's mother-in-law is sick.� He decides to take Jesus to her.� Surely he can make the sickness go away.� Please, Jesus, she's a good woman.� Jesus does.�

�� Her fever's gone.� And along with it more of the doubts.� Jesus, you're amazing!� Jesus, who are you?� What are you?� What is going on?

�� Then he spends the rest of the evening healing half of Capernaum!� You've got the power in you!� You'll surely become our Deliverer, our Messiah, and even our king some day.� God sent you!� You've got the power! [15]

�� Back to fishing.� Fishing every night when the water is calm and cool and the fish come nearer the surface to find food.� Home shortly after midnight if they reach their quota early.� Usually they don't.�

�� Men fishing.� Zebedee worrying.� Jesus trying to grab hold of that pioneer spirit, that entrepreneurial spirit, and use it.� Taking his sons with him to preach nearby whenever they can get away during the day.� Still trying to keep up with their fishing at night.

�� The fishermen and father budge only a little.� Gradually they believe in Jesus more and more.� Still, he's a relative.� Not enough time and evidence to fully believe him yet.� This fishing for men thing is only a spare-time thing.� Jesus is moving very slowly in taking over the country.� It'll take a lot of years and a lot of hard work.� Jesus has just begun.�

�� When things get more serious and more solid in the takeover - and more financially secure of course - the four will take it more seriously.� Maybe by then Zebedee will willingly let his sons go.� Maybe by then the business will be built up enough he can operate without them, and even retire as planned.� Maybe by then he can change his sign from Zebedee and Sons to Zebedee and Grandsons.

�� "Things are getting tight.� We're going to have to spend more time on the water.� No more quitting at midnight or 1:00 in the morning.� If we don't produce more for the merchants, they're going to go elsewhere."

�� "Ready to cast off?"

�� "Ready, Zebedee, sir."

�� The two boats are launched, just as the sun is going down.� Just as the fish are coming closer to the surface, and closer to the shore to feed.� Or just when they're supposed to be doing all this.� Where have they been lately?

�� "Oh God, we need a good haul tonight,"Zebedee pronounces above the rattle of equipment and shuffle of feet, and insignificant waves lapping aimlessly at their hull.�

�� "Bless us tonight.� Give us that turn around we need.� Don't let my business...."� He can hardly say it.� "Don't let it...."� He's never said it aloud before.� "Don't let our business sink.� Oh God, fish with us tonight."

�� Still the rattling and shuffling and lapping, but that is all.� Still the quiet reverent atmosphere even though the prayer has ended.� Still the begging in each heart even though the audible words have ceased.� "Oh God, fish with us tonight" echoes in each man's soul.� God, where are you?

�� God is standing on shore.� He's been preparing a big surprise.� Just hang on a little longer.

9:00 PM

�� They cast out their nets and pull them in.� Empty.

�� All is quieter than usual tonight.� Is Zebedee's luck running out?� Try not to dream any more, Zebedee, of the successful business you worked to build up all your life.� Try not to think of your sons who'll have to find work elsewhere.

11:00 PM

�� They cast out their nets and pull them in.� A few this time.� But for all practical purposes, empty.

�� Maybe Zebedee should just close down the business and let his sons follow Jesus after all.� They're wasting their time out here.� Fishers of men.� Well, after Jesus gets a little more political power, donations might start coming in.� That would give them a decent salary.� At least someone would be working.

1:00 PM

�� They cast out their nets and pull them in.� Over.� And Over.� And excruciatingly over.

�� Try not to think of the dream house never built, or having your boats all paid for and all debts cleared before retirement.� Try not to think of the vacations you and Salome were going to take after retirement, and all the friends and places you were going to see.

3:00 AM

�� Still they cast out their nets and pull them in.� A few.� A trickling few.� A time-wasting few.� Oh how the lake mocks him.

�� Well, the house he's had all these years isn't all that bad.� The neighborhood is going down, but it might hold until he dies.� A new roof would help.� He could do some odd jobs for that.� The new donkey they have is almost paid for.� They could ride it five more years so they could save a little at a time for a new one to replace it.� And their old house is big.� They could turn it into an inn.

5:00 AM

�� Still they cast out their nets and pull them in.� So weary.� So tired.� So angry.� Angry at the lake.� And the fish.� Angry at themselves.� And God.� Empty nets.� Empty hopes.

�� What will happen to the crew?� They're good men.� Zebedee will write letters of recommendation for them.� Can't give them severance pay.� But he could give them each some equipment of their own before selling the boats.� There's other fishing businesses.� Other lakes.� Maybe other occupations they can take up.

7:00 AM

�� So few fish in the bottom of their boat.� Why bother with them?� May as well set them free.� A few dozen.� Not worth the effort.� Can't do anything with a dozen of anything.� So tired.� So full of gut pain.

�� Zebedee calls out so he can be heard in both boats.� "Pull them in, fellas!� We've circled the lake.� We've done the best we could.� You've all been loyal.� I'd hire you all over again.� Let's go home."

�� "What's Father talking about?"; mutters James.

�� "Don't ask."

�� The men in the other boat are not sure Zebedee said what they think they heard him say.� Andrew and Peter look at each other curiously, say nothing, and pull in their empty, empty nets for the last time.

�� "Just set them free," Zebedee calls out once more.� "Set the fish free.� Set everyone free."

�� Slowly they make their way back to the shore.� Slowly in his mind Zebedee sets his dreams free, his company free, his sons free.� Free so they don't sink with him.

�� Silently through shuttering waves picking up with the morning breeze.� Silently through time creeping and eeking.� Silently toward resignation to God's strange will.

�� "Wash those nets good, men," Zebedee orders.� After the seaweed's out, scrub them with a brush."

�� He doesn't usually get so particular except at the end of a season.� Zebedee, has your season run out?

�� Activity farther back on the beach.� What's going on?� Angry merchants?� Angry taxpayers?� More talk of riot against Rome?

�� Jesus is spending more time than ever going around talking to working people where they work.� In the marketplace.� At the city well.� At the city square.� At the city gate.� At the inns.� Jesus joins them wherever they are, waits for a lull in whatever they're doing, then teaches them about the new kingdom of God and how they should act in it ~ morals, ethics, respect, the whole nine yards.

�� More and more people, now, crowding around him as he works his way down toward the lake.� He stops where Zebedee, his partners and crew are, washing their nets in grief. [16]

�� Why does Jesus have to bring his crowd down here when the defeated ones by the lake don't need or want anyone around?� They just don't want to talk to anyone right now.� Or see anyone.� Just leave them alone to wash their nets.�� So despondent.�� Jesus, leave us alone.� Jesus, just go away.� We want to be left alone while we sink.

�� Jesus looks at Zebedee and his men.� Some look back.� He sees the defeat in their eyes.� That's all it takes.� Man's utter defeat can now be fully handed over to God.� Man has tried everything and knows he did.� Now man is ready.� It's time.

�� "Peter, friend, could I use your boat to speak from?" [17]

�� Jesus chooses Peter's boat because it still has the nets in it.� They've been washing Zebedee's nets first.� That is good.

�� Peter looks over at the other men.� James and John feel they should stay with Father while he's down.� Good thinking.� Andrew, always the encourager, volunteers to help Peter push the boat out away from shore.

�� They climb on board, sit behind Jesus, and listen.� The water carries his voice crystal clear to shore and anxious ears.� We need an economic turnaround, they think.� Times are getting bad.� Maybe Jesus is the answer.

�� Jesus explains to them how to treat each other.� How to treat religious and government leaders.� How to treat God.� They must change their ways so they can become good citizens of the new kingdom of God.

�� The sermon is over, yet not over.� Jesus would rather live than speak a sermon any day.� He's about to do just that.� With some nudging.

�� "Peter, go on out to the deep part of the lake and lower your nets there for a haul of fish." [18]

�� "You've gotta be kidding, Jesus" Andrew responds.

�� "We've fished hard all night.� We haven't caught a thing,"Peter adds.

�� Jesus just sits down and waits without a word more.� Jesus is stubborn.

�� They object silently.� You may be a good carpenter, Jesus, but you're no fisherman.� You don't get fish out in the deep water.� Besides, the nets don't go down very far; it wouldn't make any difference.� And they don't feed when it's hot.� It's nearly noon.� Better stick with what you know.

�� Still Jesus sits.� But now he's grinning.� That I-know-something-you-don't-know kind of grin they will all get used to eventually.� What a grin.

�� Andrew and Peter look at each other in confusion.� And exhaustion.� This is no time for a practical joke.� Now it's stand-off time.

�� James and John look up from their nets on shore and guess what's going on.� Their partners look over at them from the boat and the two shrug in response with the same confusion.

�� Finally Peter speaks.� He'll humor Jesus.� "If you insist, I'll cast the net out," careful not to speak for Andrew. [19]

�� They go out until the color of the water darkens.� Zebedee notices they're launching out into the deep water.� He stands up.� "What in tarnation is that nephew of mine up to now?"

�� They all stand.� And watch.� With the desperation part of their soul.� With the exhaustion part of their being.�

�� Zebedee watches, disgusted with Jesus' audacity.� Then, with a new thought, he becomes deeply troubled.��

��"Surely they're not going out to jump overboard and end it all," he finally says.� "Sure, business is bad.� But they've got a whole lifetime ahead of them."�

�� Zebedee thinks some more.� Crazy think.� "Or is that Jesus saying people should die for him?� What's going out on there?"

��"Their boat's rocking!" James interrupts with a shout.

�� "Is he purposely trying to turn it over?" adds a crewman.

�� "No.� Wait.� Look!� It's fish!� It's gotta be fish!" [20]

�� Peter and Andrew are now waving and motioning for help.� Frantic motioning.� What's going on?� James and John know.� By instinct they know.� They throw their nets back on their boat.

�� "Come on, Father!� Let's get in on a miracle!"

�� The two crudely shove their father on board and the crew pushes them off into the water.� Their old oars takes them as fast as they can go to the center of the lake.�

�� Adrenalin shooting through the body.� Life zipping through the blood stream.� Heart returning to the soul.

�� They arrive along side and the two younger men jump over to their partners' boat.

�� "The nets are about to break.� Grab hold@"

�� The four tug and struggle and pull them in.� Countless fish.� Fish all reserved and ready for the right moment in time.� The right spot in space.

�� Jesus is still grinning.� The angels are grinning.� God is grinning.

�� Zebedee is not believing his eyes!� He laughs!

�� "Can't take any more on board.� The boat'll sink.� Jesus, stay here while we get to the other boat."

�� Jesus brushes his hand over in the direction of Zebedee.� "By all means!� Be my guest!"

�� The four let their nets down over the side of the other boat.� The same thing.� The miracle continues.� Tugging and grunting and muscling in the fish.� The lake shivers in delight as it gives up its treasure. [21]

�� Finally, the other boat too is dangerously full, and the young men stop.� For the first time, they look at their miracle load.� Really look at it. �Then over at Jesus.

�� Their hearts are beating enormously for a completely different reason now.� Oh, Jesus!� You did this!� You simply call and the fish hear you.� From everywhere.� They can hear the voice of their Maker.� Oh Jesus, who are you?

�� The ambience changes from earth-amazement to spirit-astonishment.

�� Peter is climbing over the edge back onto his own boat.� He's wading through the miracle.� He's struggling to reach Jesus.� For a moment eye to eye.� Now Peter is dropping to his knees before him, and shaking his head.� His voice is choking.

�� "Leave me!� Leave me!� Oh my Lord!� I'm not worthy to be your friend or even in your company!� I sin!"

�� The other three young men, too, are climbing now into the boat with Jesus.� All four are now kneeling before this man standing in a boat in the middle of an insignificant lake somewhere on earth.

�� Bowing to their cousin?� Somehow they know this man is not just man.� Somehow they know this man is divinity.� But how?� How can this be happening?� How can they be in touching, and seeing, and hearing distance of the divine?� They're not understanding.� They feel dirty deep down.

�� "Leave us, Lord!" they repeat.� "Don't try to be our friend.� We can't measure up to you.� We sin too much." [22]

�� Jesus looks at them, but not in as serious a manner as they.� He looks at them as though it's okay not to be perfect.� He looks at them as though he's a fixer.� Maybe he can fix their sins too?� How, Lord?

�� Zebedee, still steadying the other boat, watches in amazement as the four bow before a man young enough to be his son.� But somehow, he thinks they're right.

�� Still, this is not the time or place to decide.� They're all about to drown.� He must break the spell.� For everyone's good.� Zebedee is so practical.

�� "Jesus, we do need to get ashore!" he shouts.

�� The young men rise to their feet and stumble to their positions, trying as little as possible not to take their eyes off this amazing Jesus.� Slowly, so as not to shift the load, they work their ways back to shore.

�� As they do, Zebedee alternately looks at Jesus, then the fish, then his sons.� Zebedee begins to calculate in his mind.� Jesus knows he's doing it.� In the last few moments they have caught two weeks' worth of fish.

�� Zebedee is looking again at Jesus in the other boat, but for a longer time now.� Jesus winks.� He nods his head in assurance.� Somehow Zebedee is knowing everything is okay again.� Everything is fixed.

�� Zebedee is now looking at his sons, then back at Jesus.� Jesus understands.� It's a signal.� Zebedee is offering his sons as a sacrifice to Jesus.� His only begotten sons.

�� Jesus understands this in a very special way.� Some day Jesus' father will offer him as his sacrifice to man.� Jesus accepts Zebedee's offering, again with this eyes.� Zebedee understands.

�� They are near shore now.� Zebedee's crew wades out to them but can't get the boats any closer.� They're moored in until they can be unloaded.� When they see the load of fish, the crew looks at Zebedee dumbfounded at the impossible.

�� They help the old man out of the boat and to shore, then return to the boats.� By now Jesus is back on shore too.� The two men, a generation apart, and in some respects a world apart, sit on the ground and watch.� Both feeling protective of the four partners in their own way.� Zebedee interrupts.

�� "James!� John!� You too, Andrew and Peter!� Come here!" The four obey their elder.

�� "Jesus has something to tell you."

�� Uh-oh.� No.� We can't get near Jesus again.� He's too great for us.

�� "Please, Jesus, just leave,"they call out.

�� "Come on, guys," Zebedee instructs sternly.� "You need to hear this."

�� Hesitatingly, the four wade to shore.� They stop several feet from Jesus and again kneel before this man as young as they.� They feel so powerless in front of Jesus' power.� So sinful in front of Jesus' perfection.� They'll never make it in the new kingdom of God.

�� They are so honest with themselves.� This is the stuff God's new kingdom will be made of.

�� "Please, Lord, leave us now."� Peter acts as their spokesman. They let him.

�� "Don't be afraid," Jesus replies.

�� Don't be afraid?� How can they not be afraid?� How can Father Zebedee stand there right next to him and with such confidence?� Does he know something they don't?

�� "From now on you will be catching people."

�� What do you mean, Jesus?� We already said we'd do that with you whenever we could get off work.

�� "Come!� Follow me wherever I go."

�� Father Zebedee, believe it or not, is still smiling in approval.� What's going on here?

�� "Go on with him, guys.� I'll be just fine now.� We'll call the business Zebedee and Associates."

�� "Come!" Jesus repeats.� "I will make you fishers of people!" [23]

�� They look back over at Father Zebedee.� "Go on with him.� I'll send you some money in a few days after I get paid for this catch."

�� "Do you mean it, Father?� It's not just for the day this time.� It's a long-term commitment.� That's what Jesus means."

�� "Here.� Take what I've got.� I won't need to get the boats ready to sell after all.� Take the money."

�� John accepts his father's offer.� And the four wade as fast as they can back to their boats to pull them ashore.��

�� John and James go to their father and embrace him.� "Thank you, Father.� You'll be okay now, won't you?"

�� "You bet!� Who knows?� Things may just get better after I get rid of you four," he jokes to fight away his tears. [24]

�� They all laugh.� Peter and Andrew embrace Zebedee too.� He's been like a father to them since Jonah died. [25]

�� "Good luck, Sir," they encourage.� "Thank you, Sir."��

�� Jesus speaks before some people at the inn that night.� Then the next morning, he sets the plan out.

�� "Let's go elsewhere into the adjoining towns so I may teach there too.� It was for this purpose I came."

�� They stay in town another week at Jesus' house.� Then the small group of now seven men ~ provisions packed ~ walk out of Capernaum and out into Galilee.

Province of Galilee

�� Down the highway.� Through Bethsaida, Korazin, Magdala, Cana, Sepphoras, Nain, Tiberias.�

�� City after city.� Teaching.� Jesus confirming that his words are really from God by doing the impossible.� Healing disease and illness.� Conquering pain and paralysis.� Even casting out other-world demons trying to reach this word illegitimately.�� [26]

�� And making the religious leaders nervous.� He keeps claiming he's going to be the next high priest and will rule forever.� That's heresy.

�� Mile after weary mile.� Mile after ecstatic mile.� Earth- shaking news.� Announcing the new kingdom of God is near.� Declaring this all-powerful Jesus will be the new king. �And making the government leaders nervous.� He keeps claiming he's going to be the next king and will rule forever.� That's treason.

�� News spreads like wildfire over to the province of Decapolis, down in Perea, and over into Judea.� People beginning to drop everything to run out and hear this self-appointed king that seems to be putting the people first.� He can't be for real.� But he is. [27]

�� Every month, James and John send a message home.� "Jesus is generating followers everywhere.� Just a little bit of harassment from the Temple and government, but nothing official.� Nothing will ever come of them.� Jesus is good at what he does.� Real good!"

�� Zebedee, with all the grit that runs through his veins from his ancestors, somehow knows his sons will be safe.� Safe in Jesus.

�� "Got that old pioneer spirit I instilled in those boys," he tells his wife.

�� Sometimes in the evening shadows as Zebedee fishes on the Sea of Galilee with his hired crew, he relives that miracle day when Jesus reassured him God would take care of his business.� Jesus has that old pioneer spirit too.�

�� Little does he know just how much.� For Jesus will leave the beaten path of society and declare a new way of life in a whole new world ~ the kingdom of God.

�� LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� Jesus had to call some of his future apostles more than once.� In what way do you feel you've only partially committed yourself to a new and deeper spiritual life?� What will you do to make it a full commitment?

2.�� Recall a time when you were completely defeated, then after you admitted it, you were thrust into success.� Did it make you feel like there was a higher power in charge somewhere who wanted you to know it was he and not you causing the success?� Relate that to Romans 8:28 in the Bible.

3.�� Has there been anyone in your life who you felt made a stronger commitment to God than you, and you therefore resented that person?� Perhaps you even did things to interfere with their commitment.� What will you do to encourage that person?

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