The Culture of Hope Founded on Faith
James, a Servant of God and of Jesus Christ
James was another epistle writer who called himself a servant. In his case he called himself “a servant of God and of Jesus Christ”. He could have said he was “James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ”. But he didn’t. He could also have introduced himself as “James, the lead pastor of the church at Jerusalem”. But he didn’t.
Can you imagine growing up in the same household as Jesus? Sometime during their childhood years, James had to have noticed that the pure and holy Son of God, Jesus, was different from himself and His other half siblings. James appears to be the first of Joseph and Mary’s children since he is listed first in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. After James, the list of half brothers includes Joses, Judah, and Simon. Jesus’ half sisters are also mentioned, but the Bible does not tell us how many there were or what their names were.
John 7:1-5 indicates that his brothers did not believe in Him and they even mocked Him. James began to believe his half brother to be the Messiah at some point between His resurrection and His ascension since “Mary the mother of Jesus,…with his brethren” were listed in the company who prayed in the upper room in Acts 1:12-14. It isn’t until Acts 12:17 that we see James mentioned again when Peter was released from prison by the angel of the Lord. He told the people who had been praying for him to “go show these things unto James and unto the brethren.”
Doulos is the Greek word for “servant” that was used by all four of the men who wrote it in their epistle greetings. It means “bond-servant” or “slave”. It indicates a person who was born into slavery, not one who was bought or captured into slavery. Since the servant of God is born into the household of God by faith in the shed blood of Jesus for salvation (see John 3:1-17 for clarification about being born again), the word doulos is appropriately used in the New Testament epistles. The word indicates complete submission to the Master, including surrender of all personal rights, property, and attitudes, just like the bond-servants of Bible times. The concept of service is taken from the culture of the time and would have been readily understood by those hearing it used to represent a believer’s responsibility to God.
The book of James does not delve into the gospel or make direct reference to the Christian as bond-servant after the first verse. It deals instead with the teachings of Jesus about participation in the Kingdom of God, particularly the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. James’ analysis of the precepts preached by Jesus demonstrates the practical application of the outcome of faith in Christ, which is service to God. Like colorful thread woven into a design, faith and works are recurring themes throughout. The connection James makes is that faith produces works, not the other way around. James 2:26 says, “as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Faith is demonstrated by works which manifest the servant of God’s heart of faith.
Update/Prayer Request: Dan continues to be seriously affected by side effects even though his last infusion was two weeks ago. He is taking prednisone to alleviate his symptoms but each time it takes much longer for him to stabilize. The infusion that was supposed to have taken place today was cancelled. He retired Tuesday so is able to rest when he needs to. Please pray for healing for Dan, wisdom for the medical staff charged with his care, and for us as we adjust to this new season in our lives.
