Lesson 3: James: One of the Inner CircleIntroductionEach of the apostles was an important servant chosen by Jesus. Each of them had a purpose during their life. They were equally responsible: “Do not be called teachers, for there is only one Master, Christ. But the greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:10-11). However, three of them, James, Peter and John, were chosen to be part of Jesus' inner circle and were present at major events while the others were not. Three Monumental Events The Transfiguration was a demonstration of the glory of God in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. (Mt 17,1-8; Mark 9,2-8; Luke 9,28-36). Peter cites the Transfiguration as historical evidence of the true gospel of Christ (2 Peter 1:16-18). A cloud overshadowed Jesus during His Transfiguration. This has symbolic as well as historical significance. It is a subtle reminder of the Exodus and God's appearance to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24), when God also spoke from a cloud. At the same time, the symbols of the Second Coming of Christ are present in the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus will come with the clouds and will reveal himself as God's chosen one. The Transfiguration ended with the voice of God speaking from the cloud, which marked the presence of God (Ex 40,34-38). The second event, the resurrection of Jairus' daughter, demonstrated Jesus' power over death. Before Jesus entered Jairus' house, the little girl died. Jesus reassured Jairus and entered the house with James, Peter and John. Taking her hand, Jesus brought her back to life, showing his power over death (Luke 8:49-56). Carson states: “The miracle in itself did not prove that Jesus was more than a prophet or apostle (see 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2……half of paper……ard Kittel (ed.), Greek Dictionary by Thayer, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Mark 3:17, e-Sword Version 9.5.1 Thayer and Smith Lexicon "Greek Lexicon Entry for Kerusso". on February 9, 2014].Thayer and Smith Lexicon “Greek lexicon entry for Metamorphoo,” http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/metamorphoo.html [accessed February 9, 2014].Vincent , Marvin R. Word Studies in the New Testament Mark 3:17, 1886. E Sword, Version 9.5.1.Wallace, Daniel the New Testament: A Misunderstood Analogy for Evangelism Bible.Org, http://bible.org /article/fishing-new-testament-misunderstood-analogy-evangelism [accessed February 10, 2014].Wessel, Walter W. “Mark.” Expositor's Biblical Commentary, 1986, 8:603-793.