The Twelve Apostles – Part 11
James the Less
We have this Apostle, with his description, mentioned in connection with his mother, as she, with other women, observed the Lord on the cross. “Mary the mother of James the less” (Mark 15:40). He is also referred to simply as James in Matthew 27:56, Mark 16:1 and Luke 24:10. Each time he is mentioned in these four scriptures, it is in connection with his being the son of Mary.
His mother must have been a woman of real faith and piety, and must have had a great deal of godly influence on her son, who it is commonly thought wrote the Epistle of James. Those of us who have had godly, Christian mothers should be very thankful for such a heritage and
upbringing.
James was a common name and is found also among the brethren of the Lord. But James the Less may have been the same person as “James the son of Alphaeus” (Luke 6:15).
According to tradition he later preached in Palestine and Egypt. Little is known about him, but he seems to have been a man of strong character and conviction, and eternity will declare the fruit of his faithful labors for his Master.
