Indeed

Friday, April 3rd
Indeed!
By: Pastor Todd Crofford

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:1 NLT

This simple introduction statement to this letter is easily overlooked but it may be one of the more astounding proofs of the resurrection in all the Bible.  Track with me:

First, we know that James- Jesus’ biological brother- was far from enamored with him during the three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  We know that he, along with his siblings, claimed that Jesus might have lost his mind, and we also know he was deeply insulted by Jesus when he said that his followers were the most important family he had.

Second, many of us have siblings and we understand rivalry, misunderstandings and the challenges of growing up together. That had to be true for James as well. Yet we get to this writing and he now refers to himself as someone bound to Jesus - his servant or slave. He refers to Jesus as Christ - his king.  What would it take for you to declare your big brother your Lord and savior?  Nothing short of a miracle.

We actually know what that miracle was.  Paul tells us: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared… to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (I Corinthians 15:3-8 NIV)

Among the many (and there are many) proofs of the resurrection, add this.  Jesus’ own brother, James, came to see Jesus as his Lord.  This is powerful personal testimony to what we are celebrating all weekend.  That Jesus Christ is risen indeed!