When did James, the brother of Jesus, believe in him? This question has intrigued historians, theologians, and believers for centuries. James, also known as James the Greater, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament, yet his conversion story remains a topic of much debate and speculation.
The Bible does not explicitly state when James came to believe in his brother Jesus as the Messiah. However, there are several theories and pieces of evidence that can help us understand the timeline of his faith journey.
One of the earliest references to James’s belief in Jesus comes from the Gospel of John, where it is mentioned that Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him (John 7:5). This suggests that at least initially, James was skeptical of Jesus’ mission. However, the same Gospel also describes a significant event that could have led to James’s conversion.
According to John 7:43-44, after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowd began to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” This moment of public recognition may have been a turning point for James, as he witnessed the adoration and reverence that the crowd was showing towards his brother.
Another significant event that could have contributed to James’s belief in Jesus was the Transfiguration, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During this event, Jesus was transfigured before his disciples, and the glory of God was revealed. It is believed that this experience could have deeply impacted James, leading him to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Additionally, the book of Acts provides some insight into James’s conversion. After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, and Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, declared Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 2:36). It is possible that James, along with the other disciples, was present during this event and witnessed the powerful evidence of the resurrection, which could have solidified his faith in Jesus.
In conclusion, while the exact date of James’s conversion remains unknown, it is likely that it occurred during a series of events that took place between Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his resurrection. The evidence suggests that James, initially skeptical of his brother’s mission, eventually came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah through a combination of witnessing Jesus’ miracles, the Transfiguration, and the powerful evidence of the resurrection.
