The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King, the Messiah, and the Son of God. His twelve apostles are his ambassadors, chosen, trained, and sent out to represent his kingdom. While they may have seemed like ordinary or even foolish people in the eyes of the world, in the grand scope of history and eternity, they are the greatest heroes. They are promised a grand position, with Jesus telling them they will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). This divine calling is not a burden but an incredible privilege.
The Calling, Training, and Sending Out
The apostles’ journey began with a divine calling from God. No one can decide to serve Christ on their own initiative; it is always his choice. This is a profound privilege, as even the angels didn’t receive this opportunity. The apostles’ response to this calling was one of immediate commitment.
After their calling came their training. The time with Jesus was not to be wasted. The training was not for their personal benefit but so they could pass on the eternal truths to others. They were to be stewards of this treasure, guarding it and sharing it with the world. This sense of responsibility would change how they listened and treasured the Word.
Finally, they were sent out. Jesus gave them authority over evil spirits because he knew they would face spiritual opposition. The devil will not hinder those who are spiritually asleep, but as soon as a believer begins to act on their calling, hindrances will arise. Jesus gives us the strength and power to overcome Satan as we resist him by drawing near to God.
James the Son of Alphaeus: The Faithful, Unassuming Pillar
The final two apostles we will discuss are James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus. Unlike Peter or John, these men are not well-known; their stories are not detailed in the Bible. However, they teach us a valuable lesson: it’s not about being famous, but about being faithful.
The “Lesser” James
James is often referred to as “James the Less,” perhaps due to his smaller physical stature, age, or lesser prominence compared to the more well-known James, the son of Zebedee. This may have made him feel inferior. However, God’s way is to use the seemingly insignificant to shame the strong, as seen when he chose the young, faithful shepherd boy David to be king instead of his taller, stronger brothers (1 Corinthians 1:26). God uses the “lesser” so that no one may boast in his presence.
A Man of Stability and Consistency
James’s faithfulness is highlighted by his unwavering position in the apostolic lists. In all four lists in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts), he is consistently listed as the ninth apostle. This consistency indicates that he was a reliable, constant, and stable man.
In a world that values fame and change, James was a pillar of faithfulness. He was always there, doing the same thing week after week, month after month. These are the people who keep the church running—the ones who are always on time, ready to serve, and can be counted on. They may not be known for great talents, but their steadfastness is what truly moves the kingdom forward.
The Reason for His Faithfulness
James’s commitment may have been influenced by his family. It is likely that he was the brother of Matthew, the tax collector, as both are identified as the son of Alphaeus. This suggests they were brothers. It is possible that seeing the radical change in his brother Matthew’s life—his instant surrender to Christ and his newfound humility—inspired James. Both brothers, in spite of their different backgrounds, were deeply impacted by a faithful mother, as we can infer from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 15:40), which mentions “Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses” at the foot of the cross. The faithful influence of a mother can have a lasting impact, as seen in the lives of John and Charles Wesley, and even Moses. This early training in godliness could have been the foundation for James’s unwavering faithfulness.
The apostles’ unwavering commitment to Christ, despite their differences, highlights a powerful truth: what binds us together is not personality or talent but a common loyalty to Jesus Christ. When our commitment to him is strong, our differences become insignificant.
What about you? Are you a marathon runner in the race of faith, steadfast and immovable, or do you tire after the first 100 meters? Your faithfulness, regardless of your gifts or position, is what truly matters to God.
James the Less: The Faithful and Devoted
The author begins with the scene of the crucifixion, noting that while the male disciples had fled, several women, including Mary, the mother of James the Less, remained. This act of unwavering devotion, despite the horror and pain, is used to show her deep love for Christ.
- A Devoted Mother and Follower: The text highlights that this devotion was not a one-time event but a consistent lifestyle for this woman. She followed Jesus and served Him throughout His ministry, even to the cross. Her example likely influenced her son, James, who also became a faithful follower and was part of Jesus’s inner circle.
- The Silent Apostle: James the Less is described as a “silent, unknown soldier” and a “powerful preacher with a deep, deep commitment.” While the Bible doesn’t say much about him, tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Persia (ancient Iran) and was martyred by crucifixion there. The author uses his story to emphasize that gospel work does not depend on famous people but on faithful ones. He encourages believers to strive for faithfulness over fame.
Thaddeus: The Humble and Committed
Thaddeus is another apostle who challenges common perceptions. He is known by three names: Judas, Thaddeus, and Lebbaeus.
- His Identity and Humility: The names Thaddeus (“breast child” or “nursing baby”) and Lebbaeus (“heart child”) are likely affectionate nicknames given to him by his family, suggesting he was the youngest and most cherished. This familial love and tenderness is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of his apostolic group, which included Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. The author argues that working with such difficult people, and even being in the same group as a betrayer with the same name, would have tested Thaddeus’s patience and character, forcing him to grow in grace. This willingness to humbly serve with challenging individuals is presented as a true test of a person’s spirituality.
- A Moment of Humility: Thaddeus speaks only once in the New Testament (John 14:22). In this instance, he humbly asks Jesus why He would reveal Himself only to a “motley group of nobodies” like them and not to the entire world. This question reveals his profound sense of unworthiness and his shock at the sovereign grace of God. Jesus’s response reiterates that divine revelation is limited to those who love and obey Him. True love for Christ is not just a feeling but is demonstrated by obedience to His commands.
The Virtues of Faithfulness and Humility
The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and humility, as exemplified by these two apostles.
- Faithfulness: Like James, we are not called to be famous but to be faithful. God can use even the most ordinary people to do extraordinary, eternal work if they remain faithful to their calling.
- Humility: Humility is presented as a foundational Christian virtue. It is the opposite of pride, which God resists. The author quotes multiple scriptures to show that God bestows favor, grace, and honor upon those who are humble. Growing in Christian life means becoming more and more humble.
The lives of James and Thaddeus show that Jesus can use anyone, regardless of their background or personality, if they are faithful and humble.
Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Bangalore 