Exploring the Scripture
James 2:1–13 is the first of three passionate discourses about problems in the Christian community. James highlights discrimination against the poor and favoritism toward the wealthy in this text. Most early Christians were poor people who found new hope and dignity in Jesus’ proclamation of an inclusive kingdom of God. But some Christians still discriminated against the poor, and some wealthy followers still expected preferential treatment. Today’s passage opens with a greeter providing privileged seating to wealthy Christians and directing poor ones to stand or sit at the feet of the wealthy.
For James, God is the God who chooses the poor. Therefore, true Christians cannot show partiality to the wealthy. James confronts rich oppressors in chapter 5, verses 1 and 5 with direct condemnation: “Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. … You have lived on the earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”
James reminds readers of injustices against them. In ancient times, if a person met a debtor on the street, he was permitted to arrest the debtor and drag him to court for payment. Wealthy Christians claimed this privilege, and James labeled such behavior blasphemy against the name of Christ, “the excellent name that was invoked” in baptism (v. 7). Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ meant dying to the old life and rising to live anew, welcoming all into the inclusive kingdom of God.
James quotes the “royal law…. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself‘” (v. 8). Both Jewish and pagan converts knew the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ “Great Commandment” (or “royal law”), which summarized the intent of the Torah. They would also have compared the practical, hierarchical Roman law to the inclusive Jewish laws, including the “royal law.” James upholds the unity of the law, affirming that to break one portion of it is to violate the whole law. Those who show partiality to the wealthy have broken the law and will be held accountable. Those who show no mercy to others will receive no mercy from God.
The second speech begins with verse 14: “What good is it…if you say you have faith but do not have works.” Although James is often presented as upholding works over faith, he unites them by writing about faith shown through works. Paul wrote about faith as a gift of grace from God, which allowed one entry into the community of the kingdom.
James wrote to those already in the community. He challenged complacent disciples to show their faith by living both the moral law and the law of love. James insisted faith and discipleship were inseparable. Telling a person to stay warm without providing the means fails to live the law of love. The verses that follow today’s lectionary passage identify two kinds of faith (2:18–26): a faith brought to completion by action; and faith like a body without a spirit. James urges his listeners to do works of obedience and compassion because of their unswerving faith.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Today’s lectionary passage challenges complacency, partiality, and “cheap grace” that ignores the underlying issues of poverty and oppression.
- God favors the poor and oppressed. Christians are called to also show favor to the poor.
- Once you have received God’s gift of grace, you express your commitment and discipleship through acts of love and compassion.
- Faith and works go together on the path of the disciple. The gospel principles are expressed in deeds of compassion to the bruised and broken-hearted.
Questions to Consider
- How would you feel if a group of homeless people stood outside your church singing “Let Justice Roll Like a River”?
- How is preferential treatment of the rich still apparent in the church? In your congregation? In your community?
- Where do we, in the developed nations, stand with a God who has chosen the poor? What rationalizations and fears control our attitudes?
- When were you or your congregation part of an organization that was “in the forefront” helping the poor?