Life According To Jim - Lessons From Jesus' Brother, JamesSample

As we begin this 14-day journey, it’s important to acknowledge who James is and why this book is so significant. The book of James is written by Jesus’ brother, James. When Jesus was alive and doing ministry, James was not one of his followers. You have to admit, if your brother was actually perfect you might not be his biggest fan either. But after Jesus rose from the dead, James is one of the people who saw Jesus. According to 1 Corinthians 15:7, James encountered his risen brother, who was also his Savior, and it changed his life. He begins this letter by referring himself as a slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no way you would refer to your brother in that way, unless you had experienced something life-changing!

James also starts off by telling us he is writing to the “twelve tribes.” He is writing to Christian Jews spread all over the world. The Jews he is writing to have known God for a long time, and James pulls no punches as he writes them. Those of us who have been following Jesus for a long time should be challenged and convicted by this book—James is calling us out! If you are newer to the faith, this plan will be a great chance to get a look behind the curtain and see what following Jesus is really all about.

Regardless of where we are in our faith journey, let’s take a moment today to ask God to speak to us through this study. Spend a few quiet moments asking God that we would all be challenged, humbled, and motivated by what we learn in this letter.