Growing up, my family teased my brother about how he should run for president. He had the brains and the vision, and we even created a fun Facebook page with a 2028 campaign that gained a decent following of friends. He used to laugh it off and roll his eyes every time a ghost writer posted an update, while never actually denying the fact that he would make a good candidate. I’m still holding out that our playful digital campaign efforts sweep the house in 2028. Can you imagine if one day your brother became president?
Even more so, can you imagine if your brother claimed to be the Messiah? I mean, I love my brother more than anything, but that’s on a whole other level. A bold move like that would no doubt give me serious cause for concern. Even if I were familiar with Old Testament prophecies and could vouch for the integrity of my sibling, I would have all sorts of questions, namely: Of all the people out there, how could the Messiah be my brother?
I imagine that James, the brother of Jesus, wrestled with a question like this. We aren’t given a substantive origin story for James all in one place, so we have to weave together a few distinct verses like a patchwork quilt to gain a glimpse of the life of this man. We’re told that Jesus had four brothers: James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, and at least two sisters (Mark 6:2–3). We know that, after watching his brother attract a following in the synagogues while simultaneously offending the Nazarene crowds, Jesus’s family declared Him to be “out of his mind” and tried to restrain Him (Mark 3:20–21). We know that James and his brothers mocked Jesus, and didn’t believe in Him during His earthly ministry (John 7:1–5).
But then something happens. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to James (1Corinthians 15:6–7). While Scripture doesn’t give us specific details about this story, it’s evident that at some point after the resurrection, James became a convert and disciple of Jesus. I imagine that after experiencing the trauma of having a brother crucified and buried, you start to listen to what He has to say after His lungs are filled with life again.
James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13–29; Galatians 1:18–19). He wrote the book of James—and in it, he says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). More than any other New Testament book, the teachings that fill these pages mirror the teachings of Jesus and His signature Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). And it makes sense that Jesus would have influenced James’s communication and storytelling techniques. They were brothers, after all.
Before Jesus’s death, James didn’t understand Jesus and His ministry. But after bearing witness to His sacrificial death and resurrection, he was changed forever.
Praying too for your grandson and for the judge and your family as you walk alongside.
Tina – praying for a mercy filled outcome for your grandson. I pray the Holy Spirit will speak to the judge’s heart. I pray the Lord will work a miracle in your grandson’s life though this situation and that you will have peace and comfort to know it is going to be ok. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray with you about this.
Praying for your grandson and for you as you trust God, knowing that He works all things for our good. May you have the mind of Christ and know God’s peace.
I wish I could get this slow to speak thing in my head… and slow to anger. I’ve not typically been one to get angry quickly, but the past few mo this has provided all sorts of new opportunities to lose it. Namely, being constantly surrounded by 3 littles with very few places to take them for entertainment and very few opportunities for me to get away/regroup. I’m trying to get up earlier than everyone to have time for this kind of thing, and prayer, but even then, when the demands begin (again…) and every household thing I did the day before has been completely erased and requires redoing (again) I just feel my rope getting shorter and shorter and patience is lost. I’ve never been a stay at home mom before and because of our current situation it’s been forced on me. I’m grateful for time and opportunity that I never had before, AND, it’s tough to feel a whole part of you just be gone. I’m craving balance and purpose outside of this space.
Praying for you, Heidi! Littles are such blessings, but like most good things in life, they come with challenges and obstacles too! I’m sure that such a drastic change to your routine would come with growing pains even in normal circumstances, let alone during a pandemic. But I’m praying that you’re able to experience and rest in God’s peace, which surpasses earthly understanding or our circumstances. I’m praying that His peace provides comfort, purpose, and patience. We’re here for you, sister!
Ugh Tina, I typed nephew when I should have typed grandson. Figure me. God knows who I mean.
Dear Tina, friend across the pond, though right here in my heart,
I add my prayers to all the other sisters here. May your nephew find compassion from and favor with the judge. May your influence over the past 18 months stand strong within your nephew regardless of the outcome at the court. May words you have said and the example you’ve given hold firm to give your nephew strength, comfort, encouragement and peace. Surely you have been Jesus with skin on for him. I pray your influence far outlasts anything the judge decides. Praying for earthly mercy and eternal salvation for your beloved nephew. And peace and trust for you – today, tomorrow and always. BUT GOD, Tina, BUT GOD.
Indeed to learn your brother was the son of God, how overwhelming that must have been for James. I really can’t imagine this. Made me wonder about the book of James and all the warnings of the tongue, and the need to tame it might have been a struggle for James in his own life and his understanding of how it can and should be used, such wisdom for us. Tina praying for your grandson. Lord be with this young man that he would know you are with him this day, that he would see your grace not just in the courtroom but all that has been given thus far and the deep love you have for him. Jesus I pray you over this decision and your mercy over this judge, most of all God your path for this young man to continue to grow toward you and have a heart that lifts up your name Jesus. Thank you Lord for all you are doing make that so very clear this day to this child of yours in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Love and blessings to you Tina from the other side of the pond.
♥️♥️♥️ I love this. Your point about how quick he might have been with his own tongue towards Jesus, before he truly believed who he was, was insightful. How often do I do that, speak out before thinking, before knowing the truth. I started memorizing that passage about the tongue awhile ago and never finished, looks like I need to pick it back up!
It is tough sometimes to witness to family. They think we are out of our minds. They dwell on who we were before Christ. They think this change is just a phase. It took James awhile to come around to faith, and he had Jesus as his brother! James witnessed the miracles. He heard His teaching. It took a post – resurrection appearance to change James’ heart and mind. Jesus did not change His ministry to suit James, to convince him. Jesus was simply faithful to His mission. He lived Who He was. Will we too live for Christ persistently and consistently before our families? Will we too be faithful to our calling, regardless of the assumptions or criticisms of others? Will we be unwavering in our devotion to Jesus, letting our lives be our loudest witness? Will we pray daily for our loved ones until they too become as James, “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”?
Amen!!