Following Jesus 44

As we examine the Twelve Disciples of Jesus, we now examine the third group of four. We begin with the disciple known as James the Son of Alpheus or James the Less. Here are some facts about James.

 

He was the son of Alpheus (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). In Mark 15:40, he is called James the Less. Less means “little.” He may have been small in height. In other words, he may have been called “little James.” He also may have been younger than James the son of Zebedee. 

 

It is possible that he may have been Matthew’s brother. In Mark 2:14, it is stated that (Levi) Matthew was the son of Alpheus. There is a remote possibility that James the Less and Matthew may have been brothers. 

 

James’ mother was named Mary (Mark 15:40). She was present at the crucifixion. She was one of the women who came to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Mark 16:1. 

 

In John 19:25, Mary the wife of Clopas is mentioned. Clopas is another form of the name Alpheus. James had a brother specifically names Joses. 

 

While there is little information about James, we can make some important observations about him that may also be make about today’s followers of Jesus. 

 

James, as a follower of Jesus, was chosen by God. He was a follower of Jesus because Jesus chose him to be a follower. The same may be said of you. Two passages in John’s gospel bears this out. 

 

The first passage is found in John 6:66-70 which says, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.” (John 6:66-71 ESV)

 

The second passage is John 15:12-17. It says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:12-17 ESV)

 

Jesus chose James to follow Him. Jesus continues to choose those who will follow Him. Are you one of Jesus’ chosen followers?