Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:21-22 NIV)
Two weeks ago we looked at a fisherman: Peter. Last week we looked at a tax collector: Matthew. Now we are looking at a beloved: John. At least that’s the way he describes himself. He knew he was loved.
John, though, was also a fisherman. Peter and Andrew were brothers. James and John were brothers. When Jesus approached these pairs of brothers, they both responded in the same way. They got up and followed him.
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John… (Matthew 10:2 NIV)
John not only followed Jesus on that day. He continued following Jesus. When it came time for Jesus to select twelve of them to be his closest followers and apostles, John was among the twelve
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. (Mark 5:35-37 NIV)
Not only was he one of the twelve, but John was a part of a smaller group within the twelve who got to witness more. Peter, James and John were the three who would go with Jesus on special trips, like this one. They were about to witness a special miracle that day. The little girl was dead. But soon she would be alive.
When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. (Mark 5:38-43 NIV)
How about you? Have you seen Jesus at work in and around you? Does it build your faith? Does it build the faith of those around you? Are you a witness?
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