Finding Your Patron Saint: Saint James

Finding Your Patron Saint Name Institution Date Finding Your Patron Saint: Saint James A patron saint is someone who acts as the defender of a group of people; James is the first saint to have defended Jesus teachings during the early centuries. James was prominent and often referred to as the Greater because he was taller and older than the other apostle named James. James and his brother John were sons of Zebedee (Lois González, Castro Fernández & Lopez, 2016). Together with their father, the two brothers were fishermen in Galilee. When called by Jesus to follow him, James and his brother John followed Jesus diligently, leaving their boat and their father behind. James watched Jesus teach with authority in the synagogue and witnessed Jesus perform miracles. To be named one of the twelve disciples meant James had faith and commitment. James was privileged to witness the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah as God called Jesus his son (McDowell, 2016). James dedication is evident up to the last minute when he joined Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane for his final prayer before Jesus was arrested (Lois González, Castro Fernández & Lopez, 2016). James struggled with understanding his mission, James thought he deserved a special place, and bragged of sacrificing his life for Jesus. Jesus often referred to James and his brother as sons of thunder because of their impulsive evangelical passion combined with his severe temper. When the Samaritans refused to receive Jesus, James asked the Lord to call down fire and destroy the village (McDowell, 2016). Instead, Jesus corrected James and his brother reminding them of God’s love. What encourages me as a Christian is the dedication and the courage James displayed despite his many weak...