The Lord's Brother

“James, slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” James 1:1

James who? Just James . Or James the Just, as he is known in history.

Most scholars agree that the James is the brother of Jesus. His credentials are over the top. He saw the Risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:7). He was in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14). He succeeded Peter as head of the church in Jerusalem. Paul calls him an apostle and ranks him as a pillar of the church along with Peter and John (Galatians 1:19; 2-9)  And a fourth-century historian identifies James as the first bishop of Jerusalem.  Impressive CV. 

Ancient letters usually begin with an inventory of the author’s credentials. But James takes after his Brother Jesus, who would not even allow his disciples to have titles.  The greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:8-11).  James introduces himself humbly and the modestly as a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word slave is doulos in Greek.  It literally refers to one who is in bondage to another, as the Israelites were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt.  But slavery to God and Jesus Christ is voluntary.  It’s a very special relationship of loving service and unquestioning obedience.  

James is about as close as you can get to the Historical Jesus.  His name appears first in the list of Jesus’ brothers, implying closeness in age (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).

James had a reputation for holiness and prayerfulness.  They called him Old Camel Knees because he developed thick calluses on his knees during long hours in prayer.

On the Passover of 62AD, James followed his Brother in martyrdom.  The Scribes and the Pharisees stood him on the pinnacle of the Temple and told him to denounce Jesus before the large crowd that had gathered for the festival.  With a loud voice, James hailed Jesus as the Son of Man seated at the right hand of God.  Many in the crowd resounded with Hosanna to the Son of David.  Frustrated, the Pharisees and Scribes threw him down. James survived the fall.  But then a laundryman finished him off with a club.  So ended the life of James the Lord’s brother, faithful witness, and slave of Jesus.

Pray And Obey

• James takes after his Brother Jesus, who would not even allow his disciples to have titles.  Yet Christians have often been hung up on titles (MATTHEW 23:8-11).  Some make a big fuss about how they want to be addressed in print and in public.  Is it just institutional or is it something more?  Time for a Holy Spirit diagnosis.  Are you obsessed with titles? Search your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede through you with precision and power.
• James takes after his Brother Jesus, who though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7).  James does not capitalise on his lineage for personal advantage.  Instead, he honours Jesus by imitating him. Know anyone like that? Treasure this rare specimen.  Ask God to increase his or her influence.
• Are you a disciple that takes after Jesus? Wisely surrender your all to him and be his voluntary slave for life.  God is not looking for more stars; he's looking for more servants (HOWARD HENDRICKS). Dear Lord, help me cultivate genuine humility, unquestioning obedience, loving service, and absolute loyalty to you.
• Memorise and pray the Word: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (MATTHEW 20:25-28).
• James had a reputation for holiness and prayer. May our Church be that way too --today and tomorrow and forever! Holiness and prayer go hand in hand, something we seldom talk about.  We train Christians how to pray better. We give them the scripts and the strategies.  But we fail to emphasize that effective prayer flows from a life of personal holiness.  If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (PSALM 66:18). Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart... Such is the generation of those who seek him (PSALM 24:3-6). Holiness and prayer are God's mighty weapons against today's culture of worldliness and lawlessness! Who will stand up and be consecrated?
• James stood for Truth and died a martyr.  The fact is, there are more persecuted Christians in the world today than there were in the first centuries of Christianity (POPE FRANCIS). When persecution comes, may we be ready! We triumph over evil by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of our testimony, and by not clinging to our dear lives even in the face of death. (REVELATION 12:11)