paradox3: "How important are the disciples in the Christian narrative? Peter, James and John seem to be the closest to Jesus."
Yes, only the inner circle--Peter, James, and John--are privileged to witness the Transfiguration miracle, Jesus' raising of the synagogue leader's daughter from the dead, and Jesus' prayer agony in Gethsemane. But greater intimacy with Jesus does not mean greater spiritual maturity. James and John want to call down a lightning strike on the Samaritan villagers who drive them out of town (Luke 9:51-56). This vengeful desire earns them the witty nickname "the Thunder boys" (Aramaic "Boanerges") from Jesus. Then James and John draw the ire of the other 10 disciples by making this arrogant request of Jesus:
"Grant us to sit one at your right hand and other at your left in your glory... When the 10 heard this, they began to get angry with James and John
(Mark 10:35-41)."
Matthew (20:20-21) tries to shift blame for this embarrassing incident to the brothers' meddling Mom!
Jesus makes Peter "the rock in which I will build my church." But Peter rebukes Jesus when He announces His impending martyrdom and denies any relationship with Him 3 times in the high priest's courtyard. So the inner circle is far from a model of discipleship.
Yes, only the inner circle--Peter, James, and John--are privileged to witness the Transfiguration miracle, Jesus' raising of the synagogue leader's daughter from the dead, and Jesus' prayer agony in Gethsemane. But greater intimacy with Jesus does not mean greater spiritual maturity. James and John want to call down a lightning strike on the Samaritan villagers who drive them out of town (Luke 9:51-56). This vengeful desire earns them the witty nickname "the Thunder boys" (Aramaic "Boanerges") from Jesus. Then James and John draw the ire of the other 10 disciples by making this arrogant request of Jesus:
"Grant us to sit one at your right hand and other at your left in your glory... When the 10 heard this, they began to get angry with James and John
(Mark 10:35-41)."
Matthew (20:20-21) tries to shift blame for this embarrassing incident to the brothers' meddling Mom!
Jesus makes Peter "the rock in which I will build my church." But Peter rebukes Jesus when He announces His impending martyrdom and denies any relationship with Him 3 times in the high priest's courtyard. So the inner circle is far from a model of discipleship.