Who is Jesus’ brother James?

April 3, 2024

James was the half brother of Jesus and we can see this clearly laid out for us in Matthew 13:55 as it states, “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?” He was the author of the New Testament book that bears his name. The Epistle of James begins with such a significant introduction as he doesn’t introduce himself with a title that is prideful or boastful but instead labels himself as “…bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…,” James 1:1.

The word “bondservant” being used is the Greek word “doulos” which means: one who gives himself up wholly to another’s will. He is stating that he is a servant of God willing to live his life wholeheartedly for the Lord Jesus Christ. This signifies complete surrender and obedience to the calling that the Lord had on his life. One thing that we need to fully understand is the fact that James was not always a believer.

John 7:2-5 details, “Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” His brothers doubted that He was Who He proclaimed to be!

Most of us can relate to this in our own lives. The ones that are the closest to you find it very difficult to believe that you are a new person when you become a believer. This was the case with Jesus’ brothers as they failed to take Him or His ministry seriously. Little did they know that they were related to the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

James’ Conversion

Just like the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts, James had to have a mighty encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ in order for him to be fully persuaded that He was Who He said He was. 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 recalls, “and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.”

What an amazing experience to have been face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after He died, was buried, and rose again. The ones that were a part of this incredible event could not deny that Jesus was indeed the Messiah Himself. That encounter with the Lord made such an impact on His brother James that he became a believer and was on fire for the Lord.

The fact of the matter is when you have such a powerful meeting with the Lord that is undeniable and indescribable; nobody can take that experience away from you. It is your personal testimony that cannot be disputed. This is what James was feeling in those moments that he spent with his brother Jesus Christ after His resurrection.

We can see the fruit of his Salvation progressing through the Scriptures. After Jesus ascended there was a meeting in the upper room where believers of Christ attended. Acts 1:14 discloses his presence in the meeting when it states, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” The Lord’s brother is amongst those that were convening with one accord in prayer and petition.

What this lets us know is that James was taking his role as a disciple of Jesus Christ seriously. Then we see his dedication playing out more in Acts 15:13-20 as he is the chairmen of the council in front of “men and brethren” as he gives a speech regarding Jesus Christ. This is such a drastic change in character from when Jesus was actually still alive. Before, James could not wrap his mind around the fact that his half brother was indeed the Messiah.

James continued to develop his walk as a believer of Jesus Christ as time went on. He was one of the first disciples to interact with the Apostle Paul after his conversion, Galatians 1:19. His growth as a Christian was apparent when Paul revisits Jerusalem 14 years later and James is considered to be a pillar of the church at that time, Galatians 2:9. The word “pillars” being used is the Greek word “stylos” which means: a person whose eminence and strength provided stability and authority for an organization.

One thing that we can see for sure when it comes to James is his radical transformation from being a skeptic to a believer of Jesus Christ. Not only was he a Christian, but he was one that was on fire. He was in a leadership role giving speeches as a chairman at the Jerusalem council. The Apostle Paul considered him to be a pillar (leader of the church). It was apparent that James was not just a hearer of the Word of God, but a doer of His Word, James 1:22. The Lord expects us all to do the same!

James was the representation of what it meant to be humble and we can see his humility develop as time went on. He never used the fact that Jesus was his brother to become boastful or prideful and in fact labeled himself as a “servant” of God. There are so many powerful passages of Scripture found in the book of James as he gives us words of wisdom on the importance of studying the Word of God and applying it to our daily life.

Also, don’t forget to check out my other blogs:

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Fight Back

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Feed Your Spirit

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Renouncing

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Confess and Repent

Recognizing Spiritual Strongholds

What are Spiritual Strongholds?

The Spiritual Laws of God-Poverty Part 1

The Spiritual Laws of God-Poverty Part 2

The Spiritual Laws of God-Restoration

The Spiritual Laws of God-The General Principles

The Spiritual Laws of God-The Power of Your Tongue!