Influence by Example

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus called James and John “Boanerges, which means, ‘Sons of Thunder’” (Mark 3:17). Wherever they are mentioned in the Scriptures, it is always with the following addendum: “James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother...” (Matt. 4:21). Zebedee’s repeated mention speaks of noteworthy parenting. James and John’s membership in the inner circle (along with Peter) of Jesus’ disciples suggests that their character and wisdom were cultivated carefully.

When Jesus called them to follow Him, they were “...in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets...” (Matt. 4:21). It’s obvious from this scene that Zebedee spent time with his children, teaching and demonstrating the skills of his trade. James and John still respected and honored their father. His influence wasn’t just professional though since at Jesus’ call, they quickly dropped their work. Zebedee had taught them clearly that devotion to God is more important than anything else.

What is our influence with our children? Do they see the qualities that are produced through a life submissive to Christ? Is our walk consistent with our talk? If we teach and lead in word only and not in deed, we will produce only hearers and not doers.

“Example is not only the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.” -Albert Schweitzer