What if Zebedee Said, “No”?
Lately, I find myself thinking about Zebedee. A minor New Testament character, Zebedee appears only when James and John abandon him and his hired hands on his fishing boat as they leave to follow Jesus (Mark 1:19-20). Zebedee never shows up again, though his name recurs repeatedly in association both with James and John and with their mother, his wife, Salome (Mark 15:40). As a Roman-era Jewish patriarch, Zebedee's authority over his family was absolute. Additionally, as an employer of others Zebedee likely had greater means, status, and influence than many in his trade. So when James and John respond [...]









