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James, A Teacher Molded By The Master The epistle of James is a very practical book of living the Christian life. Perhaps it stands in such distinction because of it being noted as the letter that most closely resembles Jesus’ own teaching. What can we learn by examining the differences and similarities of James writing and Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?. |
James, A Teacher Molded By The Master
The epistle of James is a very practical book of living the Christian life. Perhaps it stands in such distinction because of it being noted as the letter that most closely resembles Jesus’ own teaching. What can we learn by examining the differences and similarities of James writing and Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?.
- Contrasts: Jesus addresses the need of inward purity for outward righteousness; James emphasizes the need of outward righteousness as proof of inward faith. Jesus spoke as one having authority (Matt.7:29) while James speaks as a humble servant (Jas 1:1).
- Similarities: (These are but a few, taken from the Beatitudes):
- Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; James 2:5). Shows the need for humility and value of eternal things.
- Blessed are those who mourn (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; James 4:9). Both stress the need to turn from sin for true comfort.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6; James 1:27; 3:18). Jesus speaks of the desire, James of the result in our lives.
- Blessed are the merciful (Matt. 5:7; James 2:13).Shows the need for mercy to others, even as we have received (Matt. 6:15).
- Blessed are the pure in heart (Matt. 5:8; James 1:26-27). Both show sin begins in the heart (Matt. 5:21-30; James 1:13-15) and thus one must guard heart and actions.
- Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; James 3:18). Such are imitators of God (Eph. 5:1) and will be claimed as His own.
- Blessed are the persecuted (Matt. 5:10-12; James 1:2ff; 5:10). Both encourage such to patient endurance.
