43-James-John-A

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

James and John
THUNDER ROAD

Around 9 AD
Bethsaida, Galilee

�� The brothers James and John never do anything half way.� Neither do they ever do anything quietly.� It is always with a bang.� A loud bang.� More like thunder.� Like they are saying, "Attention, world!� Here we are!"� Sometimes they are real hotheads. They could be a real hazard to your movement, Jesus. One of their outbursts could set you back years.

�� Chief Priest Caiaphas is even a personal friend of the family.� Everyone says he is in line to be the next high priest of the entire Jewish world.� That is true, especially since he is the son-in-law of the present high priest, Annus. [1]

�� On one trip to Jerusalem back a few years ago, they had dinner in the chief priest's own mansion.� He said his next move would be to the high priest's palace. [2]

�� Indeed, James and John have the connections to climb that ladder of success wherever they choose ~ the political world, the religious world or the business world. They've got their heads in the clouds, Jesus. Better think twice about them. You've still got plenty of time. You're all still young....

�� "How would you like to go down to Nazareth for a week to visit with your cousins?"

�� "Now you're talking!" the brothers respond in unison.��

�� "It'll be great seeing Jesus again," John thinks aloud.

�� "You guys are almost old enough I'll need you in the business full time,"Zebadee warns his sons.� "So you won't be taking off like this many more times."� They wave back to him.� "And the Roman soldiers on the road ~ don't go provoking them."

Nazareth, Galilee

�� "Oh, I'm so glad you could come," Mary exclaims as she embraces Salome.� "How's my little sister?"

�� James heads out to the workshop to see his favorite uncle Joseph and to talk carpentry.

�� In the mean time, John heads for a room where the family keeps their scrolls ~ their business records, correspondence, and scriptures.� He unrolls and rolls back several of them, thinking that it is okay since he is family.� He notices a letter from Cousin John down in Judea but does not read it.�

�� Hey, John, ole friend! [3]

�� "Hey, Jesus!� When did you get back?"

�� Oh, I've been here a few minutes.

�� "So, what is cousin John up to these days?"

�� "Getting ready to start serving God."

"Well, we knew he'd be eligible for service in the Temple when he was 30." [4]

�� A different kind of service.

�� "A different kind?"

�� Yes, John's going to announce the new kingdom of God.

�� "Is it soon, Jesus?" he asks his older cousin.� "Do you think it is soon?"

�� Yes.� It definitely will be soon.

�� "How do you know?"

�� The prophecies.� It's all in the scriptures.� All you have to do is read. [5]

"Like the Deliverer, the eternal king, being born in Bethlehem?" [6]

�� Yes, like that.

�� "You were born there."

�� Yes.

�� "There is a lot I do not understand about you, Jesus.� My mother says there is meaning in you being born there.� And she says that Joseph isn't....� Well, he isn't really...."

�� My father?

�� "Yes, your father."

�� It's okay.� You will understand some day.� I promise you.� Hey, are you as good at throwing the ball as you used to be?

�� Before they know it, the women have dinner ready.

�� The festive mood builds.� Family reunions are like that.

�� "James, would you like to give thanks for our food?"

�� "Ohhhh, Lord!" he begins with gusto.� "We thank you for alllll these greatttttt and glorrrrrious victuals you have placed befoooore us this dayyyyy."

�� Salome, standing nearby, pokes him and makes him calm down before he makes a fool of himself.� He moves on to thanking God for many, many things.� So many that John scoots down far enough he can kick his brother.

�� Finally comes the grand amen.� Everyone raises their eyes with a slight snicker, but no one says anything.� Other than, "Please pass the bread."

�� After dinner, everyone disburses.� Mary's daughters clean up the table.� Uncle Joseph takes James to see his new supply of lumber from the mountains nearby.� John and Jesus take a walk down the street to nowhere in particular.� They watch as a very bright star makes its appearance.� They are thinking the same thing, but do not say it.� They know each other well enough without saying a lot of things.

�� "You've been talking about your 'work' as you call it since that first trip to the Temple when I was eight," John says.� "You always called God your father." [7]

�� Yes, he is my father.� John, pray for me.� I need a lot of prayer.� Jesus often changes the subject.� At least to others he does.� To him he is not changing the subject.

�� "I always pray for you, Jesus.� I know that whatever that work is you feel you have to do, God will help you."

�� Thanks.� And I need someone to talk to sometimes.� Most people don't understand.

�� "You think I understand, Jesus?� I don't.� You are strange sometimes.� Really strange," John laughs.

�� But at least you believe in me.

�� "Yes," John replies patting Jesus on the back.� "I believe in you.� You will accomplish anything you set your mind to.� You're as stubborn as James and I."

�� "Wish you could have stayed longer, Salome," Mary admonishes.� "I never get done talking with you."

�� "Well, you are going to have to move to Bethsaida.� Then we could talk all we wanted.� Like when we were girls."

�� "Maybe some day we can.� Maybe some day."

�� Things go back to normal.� In Bethsaida.� In Nazareth.� In the world in general.� But they will not stay normal.� For the new kingdom of God is just around the corner.� The brothers do not know it yet, but they are going to be in on it.� Even their parents will be.

Early spring AD 27
Cana, Galilee

�� " We're back!"

�� Salome rushes to the front gate and embraces Peter and Andrew. They have been unofficial sons to her since their father, Jonah, and mother had died.

�� "I was afraid you'd gotten arrested by the Romans and jailed.� You've been gone a month."

�� "A lot of things happened, Mother." She's not really their mother.

�� "Are James and John here with you?" Peter adds.

�� "Yes, we want to talk to them.� They didn't make the trip with us.� Some amazing things happened.� We've got to tell them. "

�� "Well, they're helping the groom's family get ready for tomorrow's wedding feast. They'll be back later.� So, say hello to my good friend, Phoebe. She has graciously let us stay in her home.

�� Evening arrives.� Zebadee and his sons arrive back.� Greetings over, they all sit down to eat dinner.

�� James and John notice their friends is not acting the same.� There's something different about them.� He's a little quieter than usual.� He tries to tease John out of it, but unsuccessfullly.

�� "Let's go for a walk," Peter announces.

�� "I'm sure ready for one after a good meal," Andrew adds.

�� "Me too.� Especially after all that needless work the groom's father wanted done for the wedding feast.."� That's John. He works at holding in his temper. After all, it's a wedding.�

�� Something is up.� James has to know what it is.� He is the first out the gate.� They walk up a nearby hill. On their way, no one talks.�

�� James grows more and more curious.� Finally, "What's going on?� Even if it's bad news, you know we can take it.� What is it?"

�� "We have been down south," Andrew begins.

�� "Yes, and you were gone too long," John replies.

�� "We talked with John the Baptizer."

�� "That's what they call him now?� The Baptizer?"

�� "Yes."

�� "Well, I knew you and John were going to try to find him.� I didn't know you were in on it, Peter."

�� Without answering, Andrew continues.� "He announced the Deliverer of our nation, the next king of the new kingdom of God."

�� "So?� Who is it?"

�� "Your cousin," Peter says.

�� "John?"

�� "No.� Jesus."

�� James laughs nervously.� "You don't mean our very own Jesus?� The Jesus we've known and loved all our lives?� The Jesus I can out race and out throw any time I want to?

�� Silence.� No one else is smiling.� No one else is talking.

�� "But...."

�� Silence again.� Thinking.� Absorbing.� Comprehending.�

�� "You've got to be kidding," John responds again. John has always been close to Jesus. He sits quietly putting two and two together.

�� James gets up and walks over to a spindly tree nearby and breaks a branch off. Then he stands in front of it eyeing how tall the tree probably is. Over to another tree to compare sizes.� He kicks a stone that was too large and wishes he hadn't. He sits on a nearby bolder.� He gets back up.

�� "Man, oh man!" he blurts out and throws a stone as high as he can.� "Man, oh man!" he repeats as he turns around and faces his friends.� "His work he is always talking about.� That's it!� He has decided to become the king!� Man, oh man!"

�� He grins widely, then points at the others sitting on the ground.� "He'll do it too!"

�� "There is more," Peter adds.

�� "More than being priest and king of Palestine?" James prods.

�� "It is more profound than that."

�� "What do you mean?" John responds.

�� Andrew joins in, trying to help with the explanation.

�� "John said Jesus is....� Are you ready for this?"

�� "I know what he said," John interrupts.� "He said God is Jesus' father."

�� "How did you know that, John?" Peter asks.

�� "He's always told James and me that.� Ever since we can remember.� And Mother.� She said so too."� He becomes pensive for a moment.� "So he's going public with it?"

�� "They'll crucify him if he does," James adds.

�� "So, how are people reacting to it?"��

�� "They aren't sure yet.� He made the Temple officials mad.� They say he is a lunatic and will be excommunicated if he keeps it up.� He cannot just suddenly announce he's going to take over everything.� But the people aren't sure.� Everyone is hoping he is right."

�� "Everyone who?"

�� "Well, everyone who saw him at the Temple while we were gone," Andrew replies.

�� "And everyone who saw him with John," Peter adds.

�� "What does he mean by it, though?" James asks.� "This being God's son."

�� "Well, we're all sons of God in a way."

�� "I don't think he means it that way," James interjects.� "But I'm not sure just how he does mean it."

�� The day of the wedding comes. The four men get with Jesus, along with Nathaniel and Philip who decided to follow Jesus. They talk, but mostly let Jesus do the talking. The friends are uncertain what to say, or what to ask.

��Then it's time for the wedding.� It is a family wedding.� But not just any wedding.� Jesus steals the show.� His present to the happy couple is not something he purchases.� It is something he does.� He looks at plain ordinary water in plain ordinary vats.� Just looks at.� And looks at it.� Suddenly it is wine.� Not water.� But wine.� He wills the water into being wine. [8]

�� Everyone tastes it, then stares.� Sometimes at the wine.� Sometimes at Jesus.� What is going on here?� Who is this Jesus?� He cannot do this.� There is no such thing as miracles any more.� Only in Moses' time and shortly thereafter, and in Elijah's time and shortly thereafter.

�� James and John are a little quieter than usual as they make their ways walking back to Nazareth with Jesus.� That's something considering the temper they've both developed in the last few years. They are still trying to figure out this old friend of theirs.� They thought they knew him all this time.� Maybe they did not.� Maybe they had no idea just who he is, and still don't.� God's son?????

�� Jesus, we thought we knew you.

Capernaum, Galilee

�� It is finally decided.� Jesus' family moves to Capernaum.� Just like the family had talked about for so many years.� The sisters, Mary and Salome, are together again.� The cousins are together, never to be separated again.� Joseph and Zebadee have a lot in common too, both owning their own business.� Things are looking good. [9]

�� Actually, things are looking extraordinary.� In a strange sort of way.�

�� James and John are invited to Peter's house along with Jesus.� His mother-in-law is sick.� Perhaps they can pray for her.� They go into her sick room.� The shades are drawn.� Everyone is whispering.� It is really a death room.�

�� But Jesus does not pray.� Instead he walks over to Esther's bed, sits down a minute, holds her hand, smiles broadly, and blurts out, "Get up, Esther!"

�� And she does! [10]

�� What is going on here?� Esther was almost dead?� Jesus, you cannot do things like that.� Didn't anyone tell you?� You are just our cousin.� You're tricking us.

�� Jesus is beginning to show his true colors.� Jesus ~ cousin Jesus ~ has become a physician.� Of sorts.� Without going to medical school.� But he does not need medications.� Only God.� He is healing people.� Not by trial and error.� Not partially.� Not gradually.� He is making people well with just a word.� All the way.� Instantly.

�� More and more James, John, and the others are flabbergasted by their cousin and old friend.� More and more they feel distanced from him.� He is leaving them behind.�

�� Not because they are slow at catching on.� Perhaps because they are fast at catching on.� They are catching on to what it means to have God as his father.� They are catching on and it is scaring the daylights out of them.�

�� Jesus, we thought we knew you.

�� But it is not all fear.� Some of it is excitement.� Exhilaration.� Climbing the mountain and reaching for the top.� Challenging the unchallengeable.� Reaching for the unreachable.�

May AD 28

�� Eventually Jesus selects his future ambassadors, his apostles.� For now they are his aides.� There are twelve of them.� James and John are among them.

�� He gives nick names to some of them.� That includes the brothers.� He calls James and John the Sons of Thunder.� Man, does Jesus have them pegged right! [11]

�� "Man, I am really excited about this whole thing," James says to his brother one night.� "We are going straight to the top with this cousin of ours.� And we are taking God with us."

�� "Don't you have it backward?� Isn't God taking us with him?"

�� "Straight to the top, yes.� But where's the top?� What's the top?� Earth?� Heaven?� I think there is more to this than living in the palace and presiding as high priest over the Temple.� I think there is more to it than the political organization and religious organization we have.� I think.� But I don't know what."� John struggles, but remains uncertain.� Like all the others.

�� Sometimes Jesus, after a long day, gets alone with James and John and Peter.� He is drawn to them more than the others.� Maybe because their personalities are all similar.� They all have daring, as he does.� They all have verve, as he does.� They all have audacity, as he does.� He needs shored up sometimes.� They're good friends.� It is hard going sometimes.� God never told him it would be easy.� Sometimes he needs them.� In the solitude of the evening.� Out on hikes together in the hills.� Out in the courtyard at night.� Talking.� And praying.

�� And just when they think they have it all figured out, he heals someone else.� They can never get used to it.� He commands illnesses.� He commands diseases.� He even commands nature.� The air.� And water.� And he commands demons.� Is there nothing he does not have power over?

�� Jesus, we thought we knew you.

Summer AD 28

�� "James!� John!� Peter!� I want you to go with me.� The rest of you stay down here."

�� They are in the home of the ruler of the synagogue.� His daughter was deathly sick.� She has died.� Why does Jesus want to go up and see her now after she is dead?� What does he want to show his closest friends in all the world?�

�� They enter the dark room.� Her mother and father are the only others allowed in.

�� Their childhood friend, their friend who they beat at hide-and-seek, and burned bread they'd made themselves, and had water fights with.� He is talking to a poor dead little child.� Why is he doing this to her devastated parents?� They watch still.� So full of the unexpected these days.� What is he up too?� They watch.� Quietly.� Unsure.

�� Jesus is talking to her softly, almost lyrically.

�� "Little girl!," they hear him say playfully.� "Time to get up!"� Just like it's morning.� Just like it's time for synagogue school.� Just like another new day.� Just like they heard Mary wake him up when they were kids.

�� The little dead girl's eyes open up.� They are startled.� She grins.� She sits up, stretches, and bounds out of her death bed. [12]

�� Jesus, we thought we knew you.

Around Palestine

�� They tour with him.� Despite the presence of Roman soldiers everywhere, the presence of hypocrites, the presence of pagans.�

�� They help announce his presence in town at city squares and hostels, the market and the city gate.� They keep crowds under control.� They listen as he explains scriptures so clearly.� As he explains God so clearly.� As he explains the new kingdom of God so clearly.� All this confuses them too.� How does he know all this?� Why is it so clear to him and not anyone else?

�� More and more they love Jesus and admire him.� The two qualities are ever harder to separate.� More and more they dedicate themselves to the cause.� The cause of God on earth.� God's kingdom will grow and become powerful.� Jesus' influence will grow and become powerful.� And they are in on it.�

�� Then he gives them the power.� James and John receive the power.� With a touch.� A word.� A nod of the will.� People's bodies are changed.� Renewed.� Rebuilt.� Reworked.� Jesus, we're just your cousins.� How can you give us that power too?� How can we be doing this?� It is impossible.� We are doing the impossible.� You made it possible.� Man, are we powerful!� Man, is Jesus powerful!� Praise God!�

�� James and John are still a little mixed up.� But they are trying.� Really trying.� When Jesus assigns everyone a territory to cover to spread the word of the new kingdom of God, he has the brothers travel together as a team.� They preach.� They teach.� They warn.� People begin to come to them as they had Jesus.�

�� "Come!" shouts James with his thunderous and powerful voice.� "Come!� Repent!� Cleanse yourselves!� Get ready, for the new kingdom of God which is coming soon!"

�� At the next stop, it is James's turn to preach.� Thunder again.� Boll them over with the magnificence that is God's.� Make the people aware that the extraordinary is about to happen. [13]

�� Prove it, men, with power.� The power of God.� The power of miracles.� Perform miracles, James and John.� Show people God is unstoppable.� Unbeatable.� Unsinkable.� See with your own eyes what James and John are saying is the truth. [14]

Summer AD 29
Mount Hermon in Syria

�� "What is wrong with Jesus?� He has been so depressed lately."

�� "He keeps talking about his death.� He is only 32 years old.� He couldn't be that much of a threat to anyone."

�� "James.� John.� Peter.� I need you.� Come with me.� I need to pray awhile.� Will you go with me?"

�� "Sure, Jesus.� What about the others?"

�� "Just you three.� Please."

�� They are quiet as they climb the mountain with him.� The close ones.� The ones he has known most of his life.� The gutsy ones.� The ones most likely able to give him the courage he needs just now.� These three understand.� They are close.� They are tight.

�� They arrive at the top, but now it is night.� He does not like to pray completely alone.� Sometimes he gets lonely.� Indeed, it is lonely at the top.�

�� He needs his friends nearby.� They know this. �They've known him all his life ~ the funny things he does, the sad things he has been through, the struggles he's had.� He cannot admit things to just anyone.�

�� He goes a little way from them to pray.� He prays.� And prays.� They try praying for their friend, their buddy, their cousin, somehow their Lord.� But sleep overtakes them.

�� "What's that!"

�� The three jump up.� It's a light.� Three lights.� What is it?� Who is it?�

�� "It is Jesus!� Look at him!� He's glowing!� What's happening to him?"

�� There is light.� All around him.� There is light.� Coming from within him.� Jesus, how can you be glowing like that?�

�� "Those other two.� Those other two men.� They're glowing too.� He's talking to them.� He's calling them Moses!� And Elijah!"�

�� Jesus, they are dead!� You cannot be talking to them!� This is impossible!� How can you be talking to dead men like that?�

�� What is going on here?�

�� Jesus, we thought we knew you.

�� Then it is over.� Everyone is gone.� The voice of God ~ that thunderous voice of God ~ is gone.� The light is gone.� All but Jesus.� He is not gone.� He stays with them.�

�� They try to understand.� Comprehend.� Cope.� Their cousin is more the son of God than they thought.� He is more a son of God than they are.� Gradually it is coming through.� But still not very easily.� The creator of the world spoke of Jesus as his son.� No one else's son.� HIS son.�

�� They talk, the four of them.� Jesus tries to explain.� They stretch their insight skills as far as possible.� It is so hard to grasp.� Have patience with us, Jesus.� We are trying.

�� By the way.� Who is going to be your royal advisor?

Autumn AD 29
Highway to Jerusalem, Judea

�� Jesus has left home for the last time.� He is headed for Jerusalem.� He is headed for the takeover.� Takeover of the government.� Takeover of the Temple.� Takeover as both high priest and king.� Better watch out, religious and civil politicians.� Here we come.� You are about to lose your jobs.� The takeover is about to begin.

�� It is evening.� Close to Jerusalem and the takeover.

�� James and John decide to go into a nearby town to buy some food and just to look around.� They spot a crowd and get closer to find out what is going on.

�� "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, I command you, oh demon of Satan, to come out of this man!"

�� James and John are not believing their ears.� They do not recognize the voice.� They push farther into the crowd.� They do not recognize the face either.

�� "Stop!"

�� "Wait!"

�� "What are you doing?"

�� "I'm casting a demon out of this poor wretch."

�� "By whose authority?"

�� "Jesus of Nazareth."

�� "But you're not one of us."

�� "We don't take to outsiders."

�� "But, I was just trying to do some good in Jesus' name." They do not know everyone Jesus gave healing power to.

�� "No one said you could."

�� "Do good?"

�� "That's right.� Jesus is none of your concern.� You stay away from him and you stay away from us.� You are not one of us.� Is that understood?"

�� "But Jesus is a good man, and...."

�� "We don't care what you think as long as you stay out of our way.� We are in charge, not you."

�� "But I wasn't trying to be in charge.� I was just...."

�� "Yeah, we saw you.� Trying to take over, are you?"

�� "We're reporting this whole affair to Jesus.� You'll be hearing from us.� And don't think just because you claim you're on Jesus' side that he won't kick you out."

�� James and John turn and push their way back out of the crowd.� Their faces are still red.� The veins are still standing out on their neck.�

�� "We must get back to Jesus,"James says loud enough for everyone to hear.

�� "This man, whoever he is, will hear from Jesus. �Jesus will put him in his place."

�� "He'll never try this again."

�� The Sons of Thunder return to where they left Jesus and the others.� They have forgotten to buy anything for dinner.� It is just as well.� Others have not forgotten.

�� "Jesus!" James calls out.� "We must talk to you."

�� The three walk off together.

�� "We caught a man casting out a demon in your name," John says indignantly.�

�� "We tried to stop him, because he's not one of us." [15]

�� Jesus' reaction is not what they expected nor what they wanted.� Jesus is once again frustrated with them.� But also patient.�

�� "Do not stop him, fellows!" he reprimands.�

�� "Huh?� What are you talking about?� Of course he must be stopped."

�� "If he is doing it in my name, he is at least not against me.� You're not the only ones who will be able to work in the new kingdom." [16]

�� On down the road.� Closer to the takeover.� The triumph.� The new kingdom of God.� Grandeur.� Power.� Thunderous power.

�� They decide to shock everyone and travel through the province of Samaria instead of going around through Perea.� Samaria the pagan is what all good Jews call it.� Jesus does not quite see it that way.�

�� White resting late one afternoon, he notices James and John sparring with each other.� Their energy never seems to run down.� He decides to channel that energy.�

�� Jesus decides to send them into the next town to announce to the people that Jesus was on his way, would like to preach to them, and then would like places for he and his company to eat and spend the night. [17]

�� "We're with Jesus," James announces as he swaggers through the city gate.

�� "We're going to Jerusalem to take over the country," brags John, looking for whoever among the elders at the gate seem to be the most important.

�� "King Herod has spies everywhere looking for you," one of the old men responds.� "He is trying to get you all executed."

�� "So is the Sanhedrin.� That Jesus ~ they have a price on his head," adds one of the other.� "They want him assassinated."

�� "If anyone finds out we helped him, they will destroy our city."

�� The most important looking one among them stands.� "Sorry, but you are not welcomed into our city.� We cannot endanger our families and our position with the Romans.� I cannot let you come here.� You are not one of us." [18]

�� Rage.� Holy rage.� Just like the Sanhedrin.� How dare they defy God?� Who do they think they are, anyway?

�� "You'll be hearing from us!" James declares.�

�� "You dare to keep us away.� We will destroy you!" John shouts back at them.

�� If the brothers, the Sons of Thunder, are unable to direct, they will destroy.�

�� They stomp out of the entrance to the city and back up the road to Jesus.� Just wait until he hears about this.�

�� "Jesus.� We are prepared to call fire down from heaven to destroy every one of these people for defying you," James announces. [19]

�� "Who do they think they are, anyway?" adds John.

�� "No, no, no, no, no!" Jesus responds, as frustrated with their lack of understanding as ever.

�� "It is not like that!� Leave them alone.� They're frightened enough.� Let's just go to the next town." [20]

Winter AD 29
Outside Jericho, Judea

�� Jesus walks right past the Temple guards and among the Temple police, and makes a few courageous appearances at the Temple.� The rest of the time he goes into hiding in Perea.�

�� But people will not wait longer.� He must be made king.� Now or never.� Momentum is building.� A parade is being organized for him back across the Jordan in Jericho.� Another one in Jerusalem.� Then Jesus ascends the throne. [21]

�� "When are you going to ask him?" Salome asks her sons.

�� "If we can be second and third in command?"

�� "Yes.� When are you going to ask him?� We're almost there."

�� The brothers have been closer to Jesus than their mother.� He is unpredictable.� They're not sure about it.

�� "I've never seen you hesitate before," she urges.� "You must do it now."

�� She goes with them.� They ask him the question.� Immediately they know they should not have.� It is worse than they expected.� Jesus is not answering right away.� He is shaking his head and looking up into the sky.� He is pacing.� Finally,

�� "You have no idea what you are asking!"

�� Well, they know that now.� But since it has been brought up, could Jesus explain?

�� "Can you swallow the mockery, indignities and ridicule that I must swallow?� Can you be immersed in the murky, dreadful and evil waters I must be immersed in?� Well, you will indeed drink those terrible ordeals and be buried in those horrid trials.� But it is not up to me to give you the positions you wish to have." [22]

�� They are quiet the rest of the day.� Jesus is the only one ~ outside of their parents ~ that they have ever allowed to tell them off.� This has been a particularly rough one.� Can they survive it?� Will the Sons of Thunder back out now?��

�� No.� Their friendship is too strong for that.� Their love for their Jesus is too strong for that.

March AD 30
Jerusalem, Judea

�� Finally they arrive in Jerusalem.� Family always sticking together.� Mary is there, along with her other sons.� Her sister, Salome, is there, along with James and John.� Through thin and thick, defeat and victory.�

�� Oh, the parade!� Thousands of people lining the street shouting, "Hail to the king!� Hail to the king!"� It is happening!� It is really happening! �Jesus is being forced into being the new king! [23]

�� Despite everything that has happened ~ the lows and the highs ~ Peter and the Sons of Thunder remain Jesus' closest friends.� And of the three, John is Jesus' very closest friend. [24]

�� John especially stays very close.� He will be there through Jesus' agony in the garden next week when he begs God not to make him die.� Through the illegal trial all that night.� Through the public execution the following day.� Yes, stay close, John.� Through all the thin times.� [25]

�� It is not until James and John see the ascent toward his heavenly throne that they even begin to understand what Jesus has been trying to explain to them their whole life.� At the eternal signal, Jesus begins floating up above them.� Higher.� Higher.� Higher.�

�� By the time he reaches the clouds they understand.� He had to belong to someone's family to be born a human. But ultimately he belongs to the whole world.� The family of mankind.

�� By the time he reaches heaven they understand.� He is....� Can they say it?� He is....� They will spend the rest of their lives saying it.� He is....� They will die for saying it.� Jesus all along has been and forever is God! [26]

�� What happens to James?� He will continue to not do things half way.� He will continue being the braggart, but bragging on God.� He will continue his impertinence, but toward sin.� He will continue down thunder road.� Always pushing.� Himself.� Others.� God's power.� It will push him right into his own execution.� And it will not take him long to accomplish it all.�

�� He will go on a missionary trip to India, then return to Jerusalem.� He will go on another missionary trip to Spain, but return again to Jerusalem. [27]

�� Some eleven years after Jesus' death, James will be beheaded under the cooperation of King Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great, and the high priest, Caiaphas, his father's old friend. [28]

�� The man who never knew when to back off will be backed into a fatal corner.� The man who had to be first at everything will be first also of the twelve in his death.� He will be decapitated by King Herod Agrippa, newly appointed governor of Judea, trying to make an impression on the Jews. [29]

�� Brother John will learn from this, and back off a little.� Not much.� Just enough.� He will go on to represent the new kingdom of God in Jerusalem. [30]

�� But eventually a new Caesar, Titus, will burn and tear down Jerusalem, the Temple with it. [31]

�� Then John will go north to work in the edge of Europe. [32]

�� Eventually he will be tortured, but not die.� Exiled, but not fade away. [33]

�� John, still not doing things half way, will be the last of the twelve to die.� He will see impostors rise up as hypocritical as the religious leaders Jesus faced down.� He will write four books that will be inspired directly by God. [34] �In one of them he will say this:

�� "God, the maker of the world, existed before the world.� His words were his thoughts that could be heard.� He created his thoughts and words, but his thoughts and words existed as eternally as he did.� And his thoughts and words were put into a fleshly man so we could understand how to live." [35]

�� Mankind had trouble understanding God's words, so he sent his words to mankind in the form of a man.� That man was Jesus.

LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� Do you know anyone like James and John, blustering and bullying their way through life with the mistaken notion they know better than anyone else?� Or perhaps do you see yourself as being this way?� Did Jesus expect them to change immediately?�

2.�� Eventually they gave in, being persecuted and tortured by those they would have formerly bullied.� Their deaths were recorded.� What do you think was accomplished by them giving in instead of using their miraculous powers to stop the enemy? Who in your own life can you give in to, and in the process encourage?

3.�� Have you been trying to push anyone to think your way?� Considering Jesus' way and the way of his apostles, what do you think would be the best way for you to influence them?

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