Little Known Men

James, the Just, the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas, son of James, also called Thaddeus are three of the twelve followers of Rabbi. (Matt 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16) Little is known for certain about them. What is known is ambiguous, speculative, or based on tradition rather than concrete evidence. They spent three years with Jesus. All were witnesses of the miracles, the message and the bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Each followed the commission given by Jesus AND they gave their lives for preaching the gospel-martyrs all.

Individuals

What can be learned from these little known men? The writers of the gospels listed their names with tidbits about them to distinguish them from others with the same name. For example, Judas, son of James, is made to stand out as NOT Judas Iscariot. His name was shortened to Jude or even changed to Thaddaeus. James, the Just, James the Less, or James the younger are all used to distinguish this apostle from James the son of Zebedee. Paul called this James a “pillar of the church.” (overview of the church.com) And Simon the Zealot (jealous or zealous) or Simon the Canaanite was not Simon, also called Peter.

Clearly each was unique and stood out among this band of men chosen to spread the good news and die for it!

Who Do Men Say You Are?

Many followers of Christ are little known by the world but our names are recorded and listed among the followers of Christ! (Rev 13:8). We may not write books, compose music, be martyrs, or be given more than a glance when our lives are done, but, if we follow Christ and heed His commission, we will not be forgotten by the Father! It is a matter of who we say Jesus is! So, do people know you follow Jesus?

Who Does God Say You Are?

Just as you may have a common name and be confused with another, be assured of this truth: God has written your name in The Lambs Book of Life. He has distinguished you from others! (Rev 2:17). Our Father remembers your sacrifice, service, and secured your place in history. We too may be among the “little known” but it clearly took one fourth of the little known disciples to accomplish all that Jesus needed to accomplish to spread the message to the world. 3/12=¼.

Little Known

Some believe these men to be brothers of Jesus. I respectfully disagree. The list of Jesus brothers lists men with the same names (Mark 6:3, Matt 13:55, John 7:3, Acts 1:13, I Cor 9:5) but it also points out they believed Jesus was crazy! (Mark 3:21) Yes, in time they came to see Jesus, their brother, as Messiah but I don’t see how they could have been among the twelve. It is hard to share with others One who you think has lost His mind! Would you follow them?

So, James may have been the youngest of the twelve and POSSIBLY a half brother of Jesus. Simon, came from Cana, was zealous to share Jesus, and Jude was nothing like Judas! Three individuals used by God not in notoriety but in obscurity.

So what if you are young, have an over the top personality, or are so not like anyone else? It takes us all to form this complete body we call the church!

One Faith

These three men like the other nine heeded the call of Jesus and though they did not achieve Billy Graham popularity they gained the favor of the Savior. Their names are recorded as His faithful companions! A friend of Christ seeks only to do His will without accolades.

Nobody by Casting Crowns with Matthew West