Topical Bible: James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Bigotry of

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Bigotry of James

James, often identified as James the son of Zebedee, was one of the twelve apostles and a close companion of Jesus Christ. He is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as part of the inner circle of disciples, alongside Peter and his brother John. This privileged position allowed James to witness significant events in Jesus' ministry, such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2) and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37).

Despite his intimate relationship with Jesus, James, like many of his contemporaries, struggled with certain cultural and religious biases. One notable instance of this is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, where James and John exhibit a form of bigotry. In Luke 9:51-56, as Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, they sought to pass through a Samaritan village. However, the Samaritans did not welcome them because Jesus was heading to Jerusalem. In response, James and John asked, "Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" (Luke 9:54). This reaction reflects a deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans, a historical enmity rooted in religious and ethnic differences.

Jesus rebuked James and John for their suggestion, emphasizing His mission of mercy and reconciliation rather than judgment and destruction. This incident highlights the transformative journey that James, like all disciples, underwent in following Christ. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency towards prejudice and the need for divine grace to overcome it.

James' initial bigotry contrasts sharply with the message of love and inclusivity that Jesus preached. Over time, James' understanding of Jesus' mission deepened, as evidenced by his continued dedication to spreading the Gospel. His martyrdom, as recorded in Acts 12:1-2, testifies to his unwavering commitment to Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming personal biases.

In summary, James' life illustrates the journey from cultural bigotry to spiritual enlightenment. His story encourages believers to examine their own prejudices and to seek the heart of Christ, who calls His followers to love all people, regardless of their background. Through the example of James, Christians are reminded of the importance of humility, repentance, and the ongoing work of sanctification in the life of a disciple.

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Luke 9:54
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
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Library

Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age.
... Peter, and spent two weeks with him; he saw none of the other apostles, but only
James, the Lord's ... John, the most intimate companion of Jesus, the apostle ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 20 sources and literature.htm

Luke.
... [1015] See James Smith, ie ... very great development of the manifestations of Jesus
after the ... identical with the third Evangelist, was an intimate companion of Paul ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... to be impious, if not insane, who should intimate that these ... of Christ, yet stand
tiptoe, like James and John ... Paul's companion, in the following words: "Let us ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... but the colourings also of the image of Jesus on their ... in her heart;' who, when he
received a present of a ... in others seemed perfectly natural in him, was also ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm