David Zebedee's Messenger Service 

When Jesus was twenty-seven, he left his home in Nazareth. When he visited his father’s friend, Zebedee, he offered Jesus a job to design and build boats, and Jesus consented. During this time, Jesus grew close to the entire family and Jesus went fishing frequently with Zebedee’s sons, David, James, and John. David was the younger brother of James and John and was deeply moved by Jesus, not because of his religious or philosophical beliefs, but because he saw Jesus as a great man.

In addition to the messenger service, David Zebedee played a crucial role in providing shelter for Jesus, his apostles, and followers, managing tent cities that accommodated over a thousand people. Beyond this, he oversaw various services, such as selling fish caught by the apostles and collecting donations through messengers.

After Jesus’ death, David went on to marry Ruth, Jesus’ youngest sister and moved to Philadelphia to be in the company of Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Abner.

David decided to volunteer as one of Jesus' helpers in January of 28 CE. It had been nearly two years since his brothers, John and James, had been accepted as Jesus' apostles. David was not interested in becoming an apostle, but he did choose to help in other ways. He realized there was a need for a messenger service to keep Jesus and his followers up to date on current events, warn them of impending dangers, and keep in touch with their families. David did this much-needed service entirely on his own initiative; no one asked him to form a "messenger corps."

The primary purpose of the messenger service was to transmit important messages, updates, and instructions swiftly and securely. This became particularly vital as Jesus and his followers moved from place to place, facing increasing opposition from religious authorities and navigating the challenges of a dynamic ministry. The messenger service became the linchpin for maintaining cohesion and unity among Jesus’ scattered disciples.

From the time of Jesus’ second public preaching tour of Galilee that began on October 3, 28 CE to their final days in Jerusalem in early April of 30 CE, David Zebedee maintained a permanent headquarters for the work of the kingdom in his father’s house at Bethsaida. This center distributed information, assistance, and operated as a relay station for his messenger service to the various parts of Palestine and adjacent regions. David also maintained an overnight relay service between Jerusalem and Bethsaida. At one time, fifty runners were employed in this service.

Under David Zebedee’s astute leadership, the messenger service operated with efficiency and effectiveness. These messengers, often drawn from the ranks of loyal followers, demonstrated a deep commitment to the cause and a willingness to undertake challenging journeys to deliver their messages.

Jesus depended on David to send messages to his family and followers. David also arranged meetings and everyone who needed to know was aware of Jesus’ itinerary. He even rallied the people for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Two days before his crucifixion, convinced that Jesus would be killed, he sent for his mother Mary. During those final days, David reported all that happened. In the darkness of the sandstorm on Calvary, at about half past three o’clock, David Zebedee sent out the last of the messengers carrying the news of the Master’s death.

David also took Jesus at his word. Based on the instructions of David, the messengers provided assurance that Jesus would rise in three days when sharing the news of his death after Jesus was crucified.

Through the work of his messengers in Jerusalem, David was fully advised concerning the progress of the plan to arrest and kill Jesus. He had also kept Judas under observation for several days and knew that he intended to betray him. David understood that the enemies of Jesus were coming with Judas on the night of the Last Supper when they arrived.

David always watched out for Jesus’ safety, often encouraging him to not go and pray alone, or to go to Jerusalem when it was no longer safe. Even when Jesus went fishing with David, there always were David’s friends watching.

The legacy of the messenger service extended beyond Jesus’ earthly ministry. Its effectiveness in transmitting teachings, updates, and encouragement fostered a sense of unity among believers. The service, operated with devotion and precision, reflected the commitment of individuals like David Zebedee to the ideals of the kingdom and the enduring message of love and salvation that Jesus imparted.