It would make sense that a brother of Jesus would know a lot of details about Jesus’ life. He would also know Jesus’ teachings quite well, too. These boys clearly did. Not only did they know them. They held to them and held firm against those who did not know them or who taught against them.
For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude 1:4 NIV)
Jude’s writings, in fact, focused on the battle against false teachings and the teachers who bring them. Jude’s contending for the faith in writing gives us some insight as to how he fought for truth throughout the rest of his life. James held firmly to the teachings of Jesus, too.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5-8 NIV)
James’ letter is challenging for all of us. His restatement of Jesus’ teachings often causes us to squirm. “Did he really mean that?” That’s the question most often asked when people read James’ letter. That’s because it is practical and straight to the point, just like his brother, Jesus. James knew his teachings, too.
How about you? Do you know the teachings of Jesus? Do you hold firmly to them? Are you able to refute those who go against them? Do you?
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