The Prodigal Son and the Elder Brother Their work: These men worked for their father, a wealthy landowner. Their character: Both of the brothers were sinners. One committed the sin of unrighteous living and the other the sin of self-righteousness. Their sorrow: Both men were alienated from their father. GeographyRead More …

Lazarus His name means: “God Helps” His work: Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, the family who hosted Jesus in their home when he traveled through Bethany. His character: Little is known about Lazarus other than that he was one of Jesus’ close friends. His sorrow: Lazarus hadRead More …

Luke His name means: “Light-Giving” His work: He was a Gentile by birth, a physician by trade, and a journalist by calling. His character: A humble man willing to be used rather than lauded. His sorrow: An eyewitness to the sinfulness and jealousy of the religious elite in their supportRead More …

Peter His name means: “Rock” His work: A career fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. His character: Peter was a determined and impetuous man who became bold in his witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His sorrow: Like many impulsive people, Peter’s greatest enemy was his mouth—speaking without thinking.Read More …

Mark His name means: “A Large Hammer” His work: An eager journalist whose specialties were serving, following up on details, and making travel arrangements. His character: A man who was willing to serve behind the scenes for others who were in ministry. His sorrow: On his first major assignment asRead More …

James and John John’ name means: “Yahweh Has Been Gracious.” James’ name, a form of “Jacob,” means “He Grasps the Heel” (figuratively, “He Deceives”) Their work: James and his younger brother John were career fishermen working in their father’s business on the Sea of Galilee. Their character: James was quietRead More …

Matthew His name means: “Gift of Yahweh” His work: Matthew was a tax collector who was awarded by Herod Antipas a contract to extract tariffs from his own people. His character: A successful businessman whose encounter with Jesus profoundly changed his life and vocation forever. His sorrow: Alienation, first fromRead More …

Jesus His name means: “Yahweh Is Salvation” His work: Although a member of the Holy Trinity who participated in the creation of the universe, his assignment was to come humbly to earth as a man to serve as Redeemer and Lord. His character: Fully God, fully man; sinless perfection. HisRead More …

John the Baptist His name may mean: “Yahweh Has Been Gracious” His work: He was the forerunner of Jesus, called to live in the spirit and power of Elijah. John prepared the way by preaching the need for repentance. His character: John was completely focused on his assignment, unaffected byRead More …

Joseph His name means: “May He [God] Add” His work: Joseph was a working man who supported his family through the trade of carpentry. His character: A man who traced his ancestry back to David, Joseph was just, compassionate, and obedient to God. Though poor, he was a good husbandRead More …