1. Early Discipleship: James, along with his brother John, was among the first disciples called by Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20).
2. Witness to Transfiguration: James was one of the three disciples (Peter, James, and John) who witnessed Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8).
3. Healing Ministry: James, alongside the other disciples, exercised the authority given by Jesus to cast out demons and heal various diseases (Matthew 10:1).
4. Miraculous Catch of Fish: Before his call as a disciple, James was a fisherman with his father, Zebedee, and brother, John. Jesus' first miraculous catch of fish occurred when James and his companions were mending their nets (Luke 5:1-11).
5. Request for Honor: James and his brother John, through their mother Salome, requested special positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom, which led to Jesus teaching His disciples about true greatness and service (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45).
6. Presence at Gethsemane: During Jesus' time of agony in the garden of Gethsemane, He took Peter, James, and John with Him for prayer and support (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42).
7. Martyrdom: James is believed to be the first disciple among the Twelve to face martyrdom. King Herod Agrippa I arrested and put James to death with a sword, making him the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:1-2).
James' accomplishments and experiences demonstrated his close relationship with Jesus, making him a central figure in the early church. His willingness to leave everything and follow Jesus paved the way for his impact as an apostle and a witness of Christ's life, teachings, and miracles.