James, the brother of Jesus

James, the brother of Jesus, is one of the prominent early church leaders in Jerusalem. Paul, in fact, describes him as a pillar of the church. (Galatians 2:9)

But, as for most of us, life hasn't always been that way. We don’t have a lot of information on how or when Jesus’ family came to believe that He was the Son of God. But there are a few snippets in the Scriptures which hint of it.

Think for a moment what it would be like to grow up with a perfect brother. I cannot imagine that perfection would be an endearing quality to a sibling: always right, never guilty, perfectly obedient to parents. I wonder if Jesus’ siblings tried, as the Pharisees would in later years, to make him sin. Unfortunately, I think I would have – so that I could feel better about myself. (ugh!) Jesus is aware how people you live around feel. He says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his home town, and among his own relatives and in his own household.” (Mark 6:4)

Yet, somewhere, somehow, something has changed. Just after Jesus' ascension into Heaven, James, along with his mother and his brothers, are in the upper room with the disciples. Their days are devoted to prayer. It appears that now, not only Mary understands who Jesus is, but His brothers do as well. God has opened their eyes.

Prayer becomes a way of life for James. He is said to have had camel knees – knees made leathery and tough from his long hours of prayer spent on his knees. He led a very devout life. Think what this means – James sees, knows, believes that his brother is truly the Son of God. James believed this so much that he is eventually martyred for his faith in Christ Jesus.

Lord, please give me that type of devotion for the Lord Jesus Christ