An Appearance To James

Spring, c. 33 AD

An Appearance To James

Within the chronological list of resurrection appearances, a deeply personal and quiet encounter occurred: Jesus appeared to James, His earthly half-brother. Throughout the Gospels, the Lord's brothers were noted for their skepticism, famously urging Him to go to Judea to show Himself to the world, not believing in Him.

This private appearance to James is a turning point in the family of Nazareth. The man who once thought Jesus had lost His mind is completely transformed. James will soon emerge as a prominent pillar and leader of the church in Jerusalem, eventually writing the epistle that bears his name and dying as a martyr for the brother he finally recognized as Lord.

"Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles."
— 1 Corinthians 15:7

Timeline Box: Paul lists the appearance to James specifically before the final gathering of the apostles.

Return Era, c. 444 BC

Sanballat Mocks The Rebuilding Effort

As the Jews aggressively begin rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah, intense opposition has flared up. Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite are furious. They are openly mocking the builders, claiming that even if a fox jumped on the wall, it would break their stone work. Nehemiah responds not with arguments, but with prayer.

"Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, 'Even what they are building—if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!'"
— Nehemiah 4:3

Timeline Box: Opposition arose immediately after the work on the walls commenced.

Divided Kingdom Era, c. 850 BC

Naaman The Aramean Is Cleansed Of Leprosy

Naaman, the captain of the Aramean army, traveled to Israel seeking a cure for his leprosy. The prophet Elisha did not even come out to greet him, but sent a messenger telling him to wash in the muddy Jordan River seven times. Swallowing his immense pride, Naaman finally obeyed, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child.

"So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean."
— 2 Kings 5:14

Timeline Box: Naaman's healing is a powerful Old Testament example of God's grace extending to the Gentiles.

Editorial: Overcoming Skepticism

Skepticism and pride are powerful barriers to the work of God. James was skeptical of his brother's divinity; Naaman was too proud to wash in a muddy river; Sanballat mocked the efforts of Nehemiah.

Yet, God overcomes all of it. A private appearance broke the skepticism of James; a servant's advice broke the pride of Naaman; and Nehemiah's persistent prayer overcame the mockery of Sanballat. When we face resistance—whether from our own family members or external enemies—we must rely on the undeniable power of God to change hearts and sustain the work. A resurrected life is the greatest apologetic against a mocking world.

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