How would you have reacted?

How do you think you would have reacted living in a household with Jesus? Do you think you would have known that something was different about Him? Do you think there would have been signs that He was God? Would you have asked questions? Would you have been jealous? I don't have answers to these questions, that's why I'm asking them!

When we first learn about James we see him as an unbeliever. He's the brother of Jesus - raised in the household with Jesus, under the same roof, yet he does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. We know that after Jesus is resurrected He appears to James (1 Corinthians 15:4-7). What we don't know is what took place at this meeting. I can't wait to hear about this acount. What turned James around. Was a something like you and I encountered? Was it more? We know in Acts 1: 4-15 James is with others that followed Jesus - others that had followed Jesus for a long time.

How would you have felt in a meeting like this group of followers? Bring it to a real life today group - say you are asked to join a Bible study with a group of people from a church where you know a lot of people, but you don't attend the church where the study will be held. Do you feel apprehensive walking in the door? What holds you back? What makes you feel comfortable? My hope would be that in the situation of the Bible study, that the group, no matter where it's being held, would be open and welcoming, and would make all feel welcome to attend the Bible study to hear and learn the truth of God's word so they walk away changed. Don't you think that Jesus's followers' would desire this so much more! Who would have the problem at the meeting James or you, the one coming in. If James or you are being led by God to be in a specific place, that's a piercing of the heart that only God can do and only God can fill.

Sometimes being outside of our comfort zones is required in order for us to grow and become the leader that God intends us to be. I don't know how I would have responded to Jesus living in the same household with me. I would like to think I would have recognized Him as my Messiah, but I can't say that with confidence. What I do know, is that I have recognized Him as my Lord, my Savior, my Messiah, and I can't live a moment without Him. When He pierces my heart I have to move and I know He will fill every part of the opening.