Lesson 3: James: A Member of the Inner CircleIntroductionEach of the apostles were important servants chosen by Jesus. Each of them had a purpose during their life. They were also responsible: “Neither call yourselves masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he who is 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 manifestation 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 proof of the true gospel of Christ (2 Peter 1:16-18). A cloud eclipsed Jesus during his Transfiguration. This has symbolic and 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, symbols of the second coming of Christ are present in the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus will come with the clouds and reveal himself as God's chosen one. The Transfiguration ended with the voice of God speaking from the cloud, which marked God's presence (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. By taking his hand, Jesus gave him life, showing his power over death (Luke 8:49-56). Carson states: "The miracle itself did not prove that Jesus was more than a prophet or apostle (cf. 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2...... middle of paper .... ..ard Kittel (ed), Thayer's Greek Dictionary, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, e-Sword, version 9.5.1 Thayer and Smith Lexicon "Greek Lexicon Entry for Kerusso". lexicons/greek/kjv/kerusso.html [accessed 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 Covenant Parsonage, 1886. E Sword, version 9.5.1.Wallace, Daniel. understood for evangelism." Bible.Org, http://bible.org/article/fishing-new-testament-misunderstood-analogy-evangelism [accessed February 10, 2014]. Wessel, Walter W. “Mark.” Commentary Exhibitor's Bible Grand Rapids: Zondervan., 1986, 8:603-793.