Spiritual Thought of the Week

From Son of Thunder, to Apostle of Love
by Jason Moon

The Bible is full of stories which illustrate the powerful change that occurs when people embrace the Gospel. “Overnight” change, however, is rare. Most people, although they commit to discipleship, will experience gradual change as they continue to mold their lives in accordance with God’s word.

One of the great stories about change can be seen in the life of John the son of Zebedee (Mark 10:35). You recall who James and John, partners with Simon in the fishing industry, stepped from the boat into the ministry (Luke 5:10). No doubt a change occurred in their life with this commitment. However, they were, undoubtedly, beginning a journey of learning and adjustments. Remember that when Jesus called James and John, He gave them the name “Boanerges, that is ‘Sons of Thunder’” (Mark 3:17). The very name itself suggests these brothers shared natural feverish personalities.

Early on in their discipleship, these brothers lived up to their name—Sons of Thunder—when they asked for permission from the Lord to call down fire from heaven to punish some Samaritans who didn’t receive the Lord (Luke 9:51-56). Consider also their presumptuousness when they asked about positions of honor next to the Lord in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). Obviously, from both of these accounts, they still had some growing to do.

Fast forward several years. James lost his life in martyrdom (Acts 12:2). But the case of John is even more indicative of the gradual change that must have happened in John’s life. He never lost his zeal and passion for the truth, which was evident in the epistles of John and Revelation. However, the young “Son of Thunder” eventually became known as “the Apostle of Love.” Tradition suggests that John, when so old and frail during his final days in Ephesus that he had to be carried to the gatherings, would constantly utter these words: “My little children, love one another.”

Today, John is a model and encouragement for a lifetime of change!

Originally published in the Memorial Messenger
Memorial Parkway church of Christ
Huntsville, Alabama