The Apostles Were Orthobros

In Mark 10, James and John approach Jesus with a request that reveals a lot about their hearts. “Teacher,” they say, “we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” When Jesus asks what they desire, they reply, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

Jesus responds with gentle but pointed redirection. “You do not know what you ask,” he says. “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They say yes, without a moment’s hesitation. Jesus assures them that they will indeed share His cup—the cup of suffering and death. However, the places of honor are not His to grant. 

The deeper meaning passes them by. They’re still fixed on earthly glory while He speaks of the cross.

It’s mind-boggling, isn’t it? Despite spending all that time with Jesus, James and John still don’t understand the essence of the Christian life. It’s not about seizing power or prestige for oneself. No: it’s about laying down one’s life for our friends—and even our enemies. 

Jesus calls them “Sons of Thunder.” It is an endearing yet slightly ironic name for young men full of fervor, whose intentions are good but whose understanding requires time and refinement.

Today, we’d call them Orthobros.

Peter offers another clear example. When he sees the Lord walking on the water, he asks to join Him. Jesus says yes. So, Peter steps out of the boat and walks toward Him. Then, suddenly, the wind and waves draw his attention. He’s overtaken by fear and doubt. And he began to sink. 

Peter cries out for help. The Lord lifted him up, asking why he gave in to doubt. The impulse that led Peter to step out of the boat was genuine, even courageous. Yet he overestimates his own strength, his own discernment, his own maturity.

Later, in the garden, when the Jews come to arrest Jesus, Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. What’s amazing is that this happens just hours after Jesus rebukes him for resisting the path to the Cross (“Get behind Me, Satan!”). 

Again, Peter’s not a bad guy. It’s just that his love for Jesus gets the better of him. He has more zeal than wisdom. His heart is in the right place; he’s also stubborn, self-willed, and struggles to accept correction. 

Peter was an Orthobro, too.

And his story doesn’t end there. On the final day of his life, he flees the persecution in Rome. While on the road, he encounters Christ walking toward the city, carrying His cross. Peter asks Him, Domine, quo vadis? (“Lord, where are you going?”) Jesus says, “I am going to Rome to be crucified.” 

Peter is ashamed. And yet, unlike Judas, he doesn’t despair. Christ’s final, loving rebuke sets a fire in his heart. Peter goes back to Rome and takes up his cross—literally.

There’s no question that the Orthobros of our own day have a lot of growing up to do. But the Lord’s own example shows us how to respond. He didn’t cast them aside. He didn’t sink to their level by mocking them. He didn’t even argue with them. He corrected them—gently in most moments, firmly when necessary. He set an example for them to live by. Above all, He never, ever abandoned them.

It’s worth remembering that Jesus handpicked the Twelve. We can be sure He chose them precisely for these qualities: their zeal, their wholehearted commitment, their readiness to act. If left uncontrolled, that fire burns out of control. But when tempered by grace, it carries the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We would do well to value these qualities in our neighbors, too. With patience, steady guidance, and the same affectionate firmness the Lord showed, we can help them grow in the Faith. And who knows? They may set the world on fire.

Read also