Today’s passage: James 1:1
Helpful thoughts:
- The writer of this letter:
- James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ…
- …who now rightly considers himself a chosen slave (Greek-doulos) of Jesus Christ.
- James affirms Christ’s deity in calling Him “Lord”.
- His brother who once mocked Him (John 7:3-5), was now His chosen servant and pastor.
- A leader in the Church of Jerusalem.
- The recipients of this letter:
- The people of God (i.e. Believers, Christians)
- Speaking from the birthplace of the Church and the center of worship for the Jewish people, James uses the terms “twelve tribes”, and “dispersion” in a way that encourages the unity of Gentile and Jewish believers alike.
- Luke wrote of this new “dispersion” in Acts (Acts 8:1, 4).
- Peter wrote a very similar greeting (1 Peter 1:1).
- Paul wrote about this new unity of Gentile and Jewish believers in several passages (e.g. Ephesians 2:11-22, Romans 9:24-26).
- Speaking from the birthplace of the Church and the center of worship for the Jewish people, James uses the terms “twelve tribes”, and “dispersion” in a way that encourages the unity of Gentile and Jewish believers alike.
- The people of God (i.e. Believers, Christians)
Questions to consider:
- Even though James was the Lord’s earthly brother, he doesn’t flaunt that in the opening of this letter? Why not? What was more significant in James’ eyes? How might a lofty claim to have grown up in the same house as Jesus actually have hurt this opening?
- Is Jesus Christ your Lord? If so, how are you growing in your service to our Lord and King? If not, surrender to Him today! Please repent and believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for your sin.
- What does it mean to belong to the people of God, to be a part of something bigger than any one of us?
- What was the result of the dispersion in Acts 8? Why does God have you where you are in the world right now (As close or as far away from Jerusalem as you might be…)? Who could you share the Gospel with today?