Session 14

James

From Journey To Change

James, Jesus’ half-brother, grew up under the same roof as the Messiah, but did not initially believe in Him. As Jesus started to gain celebrity status, his family attempted to get him out of the public eye, saying, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).

After Jesus rose again, He appeared to James, and that encounter changed James forever (1 Corinthians 15:7). From then on, James devoted his life to Jesus. James was no longer a naysayer. Instead, he became a leader of the church at Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9).

We will never do what Jesus wants until we recognize who Jesus is.

Like James, we will never do what Jesus wants until we recognize who Jesus is. Even if our encounter with Jesus goes against all we’ve ever known, when we see Him for who He really is (the Son of God and Savior of the world), our lives will be changed.

Reflect:

• When was the last time you changed your mind on an issue? What prompted the change?
• What has most influenced your view of who Jesus is?
• Why is it dangerous to allow our view of God to be shaped by what we’ve always heard?