"Jesus appointed...James and John [sons of Zebedee] to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder" - Mark 3:16-17
This church is named after the brothers James and John, who Jesus nicknamed “Sons of Thunder.” The Bible doesn’t give us any information about what Jesus means by that name. Are these brothers given to loud rants when angered? Or are they loud and boisterous when feeling merry? We don’t know. But we do know that they, along with Peter, are Jesus’ closest friends and companions.
When Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter he only allows Peter, James and John to accompany him into the room where the little girl is lying (Mark 5:22-43). When Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop in the presence of Moses and Elijah, only Peter, James and John are there as witnesses (Mark 9:2-9). In the Garden of Gethsemane it is Peter, James and John that Jesus asks to remain awake for his sake (Mark 14:32-34).
And it is James and John who have the audacity to ask Jesus to grant them to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand after they are dead (Mark 10:35-40). Jesus tells them that this wish is not his to grant, but only the Father’s. And he asks James and John whether they think they are up to living the life required to be worthy of being seated next to Jesus: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” James and John respond: “We are able.”
Just like us, James and John were ordinary people. They didn’t have exceptional skills or virtues. They didn’t have insights into divine mysteries that were denied others. But they were faithful followers of Jesus. They believed in Jesus, listened to him, and trod the path he led them on. And they believed that because of Jesus, they were able.
We too believe we are able. As a small congregation we may seem limited. But just like John and James, because we follow Jesus we believe that we are able to do more – with God’s help -- than our numbers or ages or physical capabilities would suggest.
Come be a part of the legacy of Saints James and John as we engage in our community, offering healing and hope in Jesus’ name. We are Sons of Thunder!
When Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter he only allows Peter, James and John to accompany him into the room where the little girl is lying (Mark 5:22-43). When Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop in the presence of Moses and Elijah, only Peter, James and John are there as witnesses (Mark 9:2-9). In the Garden of Gethsemane it is Peter, James and John that Jesus asks to remain awake for his sake (Mark 14:32-34).
And it is James and John who have the audacity to ask Jesus to grant them to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand after they are dead (Mark 10:35-40). Jesus tells them that this wish is not his to grant, but only the Father’s. And he asks James and John whether they think they are up to living the life required to be worthy of being seated next to Jesus: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” James and John respond: “We are able.”
Just like us, James and John were ordinary people. They didn’t have exceptional skills or virtues. They didn’t have insights into divine mysteries that were denied others. But they were faithful followers of Jesus. They believed in Jesus, listened to him, and trod the path he led them on. And they believed that because of Jesus, they were able.
We too believe we are able. As a small congregation we may seem limited. But just like John and James, because we follow Jesus we believe that we are able to do more – with God’s help -- than our numbers or ages or physical capabilities would suggest.
Come be a part of the legacy of Saints James and John as we engage in our community, offering healing and hope in Jesus’ name. We are Sons of Thunder!
