When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?' But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. Luke 9:54-56, NIV

 

Jesus’ disciples were quite the motley crew. In "No wonder they call him the Savior", Max Lucado pictures them in the Upper Room after the crucifixion, “ … you wouldn’t take them for a bunch who are about to put the kettle of history on high boil. Uneducated. Confused. Callused hands. Heavy accents. Few social graces. Limited knowledge of the world. No money. Undefined leadership.”

 

The Bible reveals the time when Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23) We all knew how impetuous Peter was. Well, there were two others in the inner circle: in Mark 3:17, Jesus called them Boanerges, meaning "sons of thunder”.

 

These two brothers are best known for wanting to rain down fire – à la a certain Elijah – on disrespectful Samaritans. Jesus effectively told them to hold their horses.

 

One day, the question arose about whether they could both sit beside Jesus in heaven. Not such a long shot considering that Salome was their mom. Christian tradition identifies her as the sister of Jesus’ mother, Mary.

 

These fiery personalities were the ones present at the Transfiguration, and also the ones Jesus called up on that night when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

Seemingly, their family was also influential, even having clout in Jerusalem. The Bible reveals that the disciple known to the high priest – whom many understand to be John – had courtyard access that night, effectively becoming Peter’s meal ticket in.

 

What surprised me the most was that young John was later the disciple who wrote so extensively about love in his epistles.

 

Impassioned to compassionate – John is widely regarded as the longest-surviving Apostle, tasked with taking care of Mary. Peter, John and James had many an exploit for Christ, not least getting arrested.

 

James was martyred, as Scripture records, unlike some others whose martyrdom is known from early Christian accounts. Max Lucado’s observation is spot-on: “Something stirs within the soul of a man who has stood within inches of God.” 

 

Oh, that my heart, too, can burn with such fervour for God. How is your zeal?

 

These men are a testament to what a Saviour potter can do with clay at his disposal.

 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the transformative work of your hands; taking ordinary folk and making us fit for your kingdom. Amen.