Jesus, the firstborn of Mary, had several younger brothers who were born to Mary and Joseph. During Jesus’ teaching ministry these brothers and many others from his hometown did not believe he was the Messiah, the promised Savior (John 7:5). On at least one occasion, his whole family wondered if Jesus might be insane, rather than truly the Messiah (Mark 3:20-21).

Then one day, after Jesus had died on the cross and had risen from the grave, he appeared to his brother James. We do not know the exact nature of that appearance, but we know that James became a believer.

James also became a leader of the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:19). Later he wrote the New Testament book of James. This letter was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were scattered among the nations of the Roman Empire and being persecuted for their faith.

Do you believe in Jesus? Jesus appears to us clearly in God’s Word, the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the truth that James saw. Jesus, the Son of God, was born a human being, died for our sins, and rose victorious over death; he is the Savior, Christ Jesus, our Lord. It’s not too late. Believe in him and let his life fill yours today!