Overview
Zebedee was a prosperous fisherman working on the Sea of Galilee with his sons James and John. When Jesus called his sons to follow Him, Zebedee's sons left their father and their fishing business to become disciples of Christ. Though Zebedee himself is not recorded as becoming a follower, his family became central to Jesus's inner circle of apostles.
Key Scriptures
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets" (Matthew 4:21, NIV).
"Jesus and his disciples went into the houses. Again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind'" (Mark 3:19-21, NIV). Zebedee's wife stood at the cross with other women (Matthew 27:56).
Application
Zebedee's example reminds us that God's call often requires families to make sacrifices when members are called to kingdom work.