Day 37

James



Mark 6:1-3, Mark 3:20-21, John 7:1-5, 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Acts 15:1-21, James 1:1, James 1:19-27

BY Bailey Gillespie

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.

Post Comments (61)

61 thoughts on "James"

  1. Sandy Moore says:

    It never dawned on me that the writer of the scripture telling us to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and humble ourselves was the same person who openly denied Jesus to his face. How great is our God that he can bring us back to Him and use our mistakes to influence others by His grace!? I pray my heart is receptive to conviction and I am humble enough to use that to further His kingdom.

  2. Obi says:

    I am praying with you, Tina❤

  3. RS says:

    Praying with you, Tina!

  4. Sadie Schiermeyer says:

    I’ve always been inspired by “slow to anger”, but I so often forget “quick to hear.” I think sometimes in conflict or in pressing situations, I overlook the opportunity to truly hear God and my peers.

    Tina, I am praying for your grandson!! I’ve never been in a situation like his, but as a teenager I know looking at our futures in this world right now can be daunting. My heart and prayers go out to him in hopes he may have strength and wisdom through this tough time. So so so much respect that he is trying to turn his life around <3

  5. DeLynn Young says:

    Dearest Heidi, It is exhausting dealing with little children. I am grateful you are doing this study and getting up early. When raising my children I took solace in the fact that God only gave Adam and Eve one rule and they broke it. We give our children lots of rules.
    There are many different books to help but exhaustion takes over. May God give you the grace and lift you up.

  6. Lindsay C. says:

    I have always enjoyed the book of James because of how directly he instructs and imparts wisdom. He doesn’t beat around the bush, but rather gets straight to the point. What struck me today though is that James was a peacemaker. Even prior to his conversion, James wanted to help restrain Jesus to end the chaos surrounding Him. Thanks to his devout Jewishness and knowledge of the scriptures, James was an excellent mediator between the believing Jews and the Gentiles. Often someone who is so direct is more likely to offend, yet because James humbly controlled his tongue, he was able to say a lot while only saying a little.

    Tina, I am praying for you and your grandson. He who has begun a good work in your grandson will see it to completion!
    Heidi, as a stay at home mom myself, I see you and hear you. And so does God. We can’t do it in our own strength, thankful God works in us despite our weaknesses.

  7. Dorothy says:

    I will be writing down James 1:19 on index cards and put it up different places around my apartment so as to remember it. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” needs to be my new motto. So many times I can get upset about small things. I wonder why Mary and even Joseph didn’t stick up for Jesus with His brothers and sisters. Mary and Joseph knew the truth, they had angels tell them what would happen and that He was the Messiah.

  8. PamC says:

    Tina I’m adding my “Amen” to all these prayers for you and your your grandson as well as my requests to Jesus for His peace to guard your hearts and minds. Sending love and hugs back across the pond to you.

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