The Power of the Resurrection

The Power of the Resurrection

The book of James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It sits towards the very end but it stands out as a unique literary work. The most startling thing about James is who wrote it. James was the very first pastor of the very first church. He was also the half-brother of Jesus.

Now, if you know anything about Jesus’ family, they didn’t think much of Him. In fact, John tells us that none of Jesus’ siblings believed in Him or His claims.

John 7:5

“For not even His brothers were believing in Him.”

But, look at the first verse of the book of James. Look at how James refers to His half-brother.

James 1:1

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…”

James, who once rejected Jesus, now calls Him “The Lord.” In fact, James soon became a respected leader in the church! How did that happen? What in the world caused James to suddenly believe in Jesus?

The answer is revealed by The Apostle Paul as he wrote about the details of Christ’s death and resurrection:

1 Corinthians 15:6-7

“…He appeared to more than 500 brethren at one time ... then He appeared to James...”

What made the difference in James? He watched his half-brother die and then he saw Him alive again! That verse, where James calls Jesus “Lord”, might be the single most powerful evidence that we have that Jesus rose from the dead.

James was eventually killed for his beliefs. He was brutally executed because he refused to recant what he saw with his own eyes. His half-brother came back to life!

Do you ever wonder if the resurrection really did happen? Wonder no more. Let James’ faith and testimony encourage you. That’s what God’s Word does best.