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.
Tina, I join all these sisters in praying for your grandson. Our first reaction when a loved one is in trouble is to rescue them, spare them from any hurt. But (and I speak as a mom) if we did that every time,it would rob them of God’s opportunity to work in them and through the tough times. Every difficult circumstance we or our loved ones face, is an opportunity for God to show mercy, love and grace — an opportunity for Him to receive the glory. As hard as it is, we have to step aside and trust God – He is in control. His will, His way, His time. Praying that God will give you both peace as you approach the court date, courage to stand firm and grace for whatever the outcome. God bless you both. Much love and prayers. ❤️
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I love the glimpse into the family dynamics, makes me feel better about our personal family dynamics growing up.
Tina: As I scroll through the responses to today’s devotion, I am honored to join my Sisters in praying for you and your grandson. It is a blessing, never a burden to pray for one another.
Regarding the devotion, I wonder why it was so difficult for JESUS’ family to believe HE (JESUS) was the Messiah. Wouldn’t Mary have shared the story of His amazing birth? Wouldn’t they have sensed there was something “different” about JESUS? Were they simply blinded by sibling rivalry?
But GOD….
Could it be that everything worked according to God’s plan, God’s timing, and God’s purpose?
GOD’s ways are not our ways and I will be content with that truth.
SRT, thank you for piecing together these verses about Jesus’s brother James. I get confused knowing which James is which. Meaning…when I sing my little song about the 12 disciples…I understand James and John to be brothers (weren’t they called the sons of thunder)? And yet, Jesus’s brother James as not one of the 12…right? He came to belief that his earthly brother was actually the Son of God, after Jesus’s resurrection. So, there are two James? And the author of James is not the disciple but Jesus’s brother. Does anyone know if I’ve got that right?
Tina, I join these women in praying for your grandson and his time in court tomorrow. If he has lived with you for the last 18 months, and this happened around 2 years ago for him, it sounds like you stepped in and gave him a place to start fresh. It sounds like, as James says in 1:22 you were a doer of the word and not just hearing it. I pray that verse 21 would be true for your grandson, that God’s holy word would be implanted in his life and that if he hasn’t accepted Jesus as his Savior, that his soul would be saved.
Tina, I’m praying this morning that you feel God’s presence and are confident that he is watching over all.
How Jesus’ family responded to him reminds me of Joseph and his brothers. But it also reminds me of me…how would I respond to one of my siblings saying they were going to rule over me? That is the stuff of every sibling fight through the ages. But Jesus didn’t argue back or try to prove himself. He just went humbly about his Father’s business. There is so much to take away from these passages. I would love to know the details of when Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection, but knowing what we know, I love seeing how James became such an advocate for his Saviour. He didn’t try to gain fame for himself by constantly declaring his relationship to Jesus…he declared himself as a servant of Jesus. I love seeing these details with fresh perspective. This study has been amazing for pulling together these scriptures to give us a broader picture, and in turn, a broader understanding of the people, time and cultures and it allows us to better insert ourselves into each account. Thank you, SRT!!
God’s way, lean on Him. Be still and know that He is God. Like Hannah, trust when you are waiting or don’t understand. Psalm 57, trust His steadfast love and faithfulness He will fulfill His purpose for His own who are relying on Him, psalm 25:4,”4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.” you are all I need, please fill my heart again, with the knowledge of your presence.