Modern Prophets » fisherman

John

admin — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:12:47 +0000

Lifespan

Exact dates are not known.

Ministry

John is the author of the Gospel of John. He was one of three Apostles during Jesus Christ’s ministry who were witness to the raising of Jairus’s daughter, the Transfiguration, and the Savior’s agony in Gethsemane. Following Jesus‘ Crucifixion and subsequent Resurrection, John continued to teach the gospel. After he was banished to the isle of Patmos for doing so, he continued writing and is responsible for having written what is now know as the book of Revelation.

Preparation and Calling

John seems to have been an early disciple of John the Baptist. Professionally he was a fairly successful fisherman on the Sea of Galilee prior to his being called to serve as one of Jesus’s Twelve Apostles. Jesus called both him and his brother, James, while they were mending fishing nets with their father. Their obedience is demonstrated by the simple statement: “They immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (Matt. 4:22).

Interaction with God

John’s love for the Savior is clear from the accounts of the Crucifixion and Resurrection in particular. That he sought and received direction from the heavens himself is manifest by the book that now concludes the New Testament-the Revelation of St. John.

Social Situation

Proselyting a new religion.

Key Teachings

John’s teachings are filled with imagery and symbols-light, dark, vines, sheep, and the like. Such images are combined with a love for Jesus Christ to bear firm testimony of the Son of God.

Testimony of Christ

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).

Living with the Prophet

John was working with his brother James, alongside his father, mending fishing nets for the family business when Jesus called to him and invited him to follow and become one of his disciples. Immediately the two sons of Zebedee left their nets to follow the Master. Little is said of their father, but it is difficult to believe that both sons would leave their father alone without his encouragement to do so. How can you be more supportive of people you love-family and friends-who become involved in doing good to others?

Sources:

LDS Bible Dictionary

Oxford Companion to the Bible, edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan

James, son of Zebedee

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:46:48 +0000

Lifespan

Exact dates are not known.

Ministry

James, along with fellow Apostles Peter and John, formed the inner core or presidency of the Twelve Apostles. He was at the Mount of Transfiguration and Gethsemane. The book of Acts mentions that Herod Agrippa I had him killed, making him the second martyr of the church (Stephen was first) and the first of the Apostles to die (after Judas Iscariot, of course).

Preparation and Calling

James was in the fishing business, partnered with his brother John and Simon Peter, when Jesus called them to join him.

Interaction with God

Unknown.

Social Situation

Same as other of the Twelve in general.

Key Teachings

Unknown, although he clearly loved the Savior.

Testimony of Christ

Unknown.

Living with the Prophet

Sources:

LDS Bible Dictionary

Oxford Companion to the Bible, edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan

Andrew

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:41:29 +0000

Lifespan

Exact dates are uncertain. Concerning Andrew’s death, tradition holds that he was martyred on an X-shaped cross. (An interesting sidenote: that symbol is now on the flag of Great Britain and represents Scotland, whose patron Saint is Andrew.)

Ministry

Andrew’s home town was Bethsaida of Galilee. He made his living as a fisherman, with his brother Simon Peter, on the Sea of Galilee prior to his calling as a disciple of Jesus.

Preparation and Calling

Andrew was apparently a disciple of John the Baptist. He was Simon Peter’s brother, and first introduced Simon Peter to Jesus. They were later called together to become disciples of Jesus. Andrew was not as prominent as his brother in early Church leadership, although he is usually listed as either second or fourth in scriptural lists of the Twelve Apostles.

Interaction with God

Unknown.

Social Situation

Jesus was beginning His ministry when He called on Andrew to put down his fishing nets and follow Him as one of His chosen disciples. Despite the obvious challenges brought by such a life change, Andrew unhesitatingly did so.

Key Teachings

Unknown.

Testimony of Christ

Unknown.

Living with the Prophet

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. When Andrew met Jesus, he recognized Him as the Messiah, and went first to his own brother, Simon Peter, to tell him the good news. Unlike Andrew, many of us are sometimes hesitant to tell those we love most how we feel about spiritual matters. Resolve today that before the week is over, you will share with a family member your feelings about your Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sources:

LDS Bible Dictionary

Oxford Companion to the Bible, edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan