Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In spite of the traditional claims of the Catholic Church, Mary was not a perpetual virgin. Matthew’s gospel merely stating that Joseph and Mary refrained from sex, “…until she gave birth to (Jesus).” Matthew 1:25 Luke significantly describing Jesus as their, “…firstborn son.” Luke 2:7 Matthew and Mark listing Jesus’ brothers by name; James, Joses, Simon and Jude. Both gospels likewise mentioning unnamed “sisters” as well.
Outside of the one somewhat “rebellious” incident in the temple at Jerusalem when Jesus was 12 years old, he seems to have lived a rather ordinary life throughout childhood and as a young adult; and while dutiful and hardworking, evidently appearing rather unremarkable to his family and neighbors. (Luke 2:41-52 & Matthew 13:55,56) Later, at the report of some of his more “outlandish” claims and behavior, his family actually began to fear for his sanity (Mark 3:21); his brothers challenging him at one point to prove himself if he could, apparently finding it difficult to believe his claims of God-hood. (John 7:1-5) Some of which may have been rooted in sibling rivalry, their inability to behave perfectly being highlighted by Jesus faultless conduct, even if it were understated and not broadcast for all to see. (Hebrews 4:15) And to be fair, how would we respond to a sibling, a seemingly perfect “Momma’s boy”, who claimed to be directly related to God and channeling His will?
Something happened, however, to change their minds. Acts 1:14 listing Jesus’ mother Mary and all four of her sons present with the other disciples, praying in the upper room after witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension; seeking understanding, guidance and direction for their lives. Paul later recalling how James – among others – had been visited by his resurrected brother, who was now his Lord.
As a result of this life-altering experience, James became a very influential apostle/pastor, ministering primarily in Jerusalem; his brother Jude, coincidentally, writing the New Testament letter bearing his name. (Jude 1:1) Paul acknowledging James as one of the “pillars” of the earliest church. (See Acts 12:17; Galatians 1:18& 2:9) Luke confirming this opinion of James in Acts 15;13-19, acknowledging the pivotal position James had assumed in the mother-church at Jerusalem while noting the authority with which he spoke on matters of duty and expansion.
Ten years after the council meeting referred to in Acts 15, Luke recounts a return trip to Jerusalem by Paul to further confer with “…James and all the elders…” in Acts 21:18. This being the last time James is mentioned in scripture, tradition maintaining his martyrdom around A.D. 62; the Jewish High Priest taking advantage of a lack of imperial oversight occasioned by the Roman Procurator’s death and thus having James arrested, tried and sentenced under the auspices of the Sanhedrin, which demanded his death. Tradition again asserting that James was subsequently thrown from the temple mount and then stoned to death by an angry mob.
Needless to say, James’ ministry was critical for the early church, and by extension, the church today as well. But unlike the twelve apostles and others, who eventually left Jerusalem – and ultimately Israel – in taking the gospel message of Christ to Jews and Gentiles throughout the country-side and beyond; James never left, staying with the home church and guiding it through critical moments of danger and accomplishment for thirty-plus years. His claim to fame – separate from his familial connection to Christ – characterized by his humility and the shepherds heart he displayed not only in the way he cared for the church he led but in the letter he wrote to others as well. Historical research leading experts to believe James wrote the letter bearing his name in the mid-to-late 40’s, making it the first letter/book circulated among believers; destined to become incorporated into what we describe as the New Testament. (Paul’s letter to the Galatian church written and circulated in the early 50’s, the second such letter to be written and embraced as dealing authoritatively with issues confronting early believers.)
James had a reputation for righteousness, earning him the title, James the Just. Not surprisingly, his epistle is permeated with calls for righteous living. (Not in competition with Paul’s insistence that our righteousness in Christ is established by faith in Him, but insisting – as does Paul in Galatians 5:6 – that faith and faithfulness express themselves in good works; which are then considered proofs of salvation, not the means by which it is attained.) He repeatedly called on his readers to live a submissive life in obedience to God’s word and will, believing that the application of the truths found therein would produce the spiritual fruit that would characterize the life of genuine Christians.
With a shepherd’s heart, James wrote compassionately, and is especially sympathetic when dealing with the needs of the poor and destitute (James 2:14-17); actually equating true religion with our response to those in need as much as with remaining unpolluted by worldly desires and actions. (James 1:27) He strenuously opposed favoritism and passionately promoted unity among all believers regardless of social rank and material wealth. (Some ancient accounts report that James prayed so insistently and frequently for his needy flock that his knees became as calloused as a camel’s.)
John MacArthur writing, “Throughout church history the greatest theological threat to the church has come in the form of attacks on the true essence of the gospel. That was the primary issue of the Protestant Reformation. It is a battle still being fought today. It was the major doctrinal debate of the early church. And James stands as a hero for providing godly leadership in the midst of that critical struggle and boldly affirming the gospel of grace, while also declaring that the Holy Spirit will produce righteous works in the lives of those people who are truly saved.”1
1From Twelve Unlikely Heroes, Thomas Nelson Publishing
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.