Study Seven. James.
Bible readings: Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Acts
12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9, 12.
“Is this not the carpenter's
son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and
Judas?” Matthew 13:55.
Date: a.d. 30.
Name: James (“supplanter”).
A person who takes someone
else's place in line is an example of a supplanter.
Greatest
Accomplishment: James
emerged as the leader of the church in
1. James’ role in Scripture.
James the brother of Jesus
emerged as the leader of the church in
This also suggests that he was
first among the elders of the
2.
James’ Life and times.
James was the son of Mary and
Joseph, the half-brother of Jesus Christ. According to the list of brothers in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 “Is this not the
carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And
are not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended at Him.”
James was the eldest after Jesus.
While they grew up in the same family, John’s Gospel makes it clear that
throughout much of Christ’s earthly ministry “His brothers did not believe in Him” John 7:5.
After the death of the apostle
James (Acts 12:2), James the brother
of Jesus quickly emerged as the spiritual leader of the church in
Tradition ascribes great faithfulness
to James, whose nickname was “camel-knees,”
because of the calluses on his knees caused from spending so much time in
prayer. James’ commitment to the practical expression of a true faith in Christ
is clearly seen in the way of life taught in the book that carries his name.
3.
James: An example for today.
James reminds us of Jesus’ examination
that the last shall be first. James, despite or perhaps because of his intimate
relationship with Jesus, found it hard to accept his half-brother as the
Messiah and Son of God. But once the doubts were settled, James commitment was
unmatched, and he quickly emerged as the most respected church leader in
A. James reminds us that leadership in the church is earned,
not passed on from father to son.
It was not James’ relationship
with Jesus but his commitment to Jesus that won him respect.
B. James demonstrates shared leadership.
In the
C. James exhorts us to live out our faith and makes it plain
that a “faith” that does not produce
works is dead, mere intellectual assent rather than a heart-felt commitment to
Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
We need more people like James, to
assist us in our faith today!
