To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
James is a Jew.
I just wanted to say that because as a Gentile, I sometimes forget that the Jews are still God’s chosen people. Both Matthew and Mark record the story* of the Gentile woman who wanted Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus responds by saying, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24b) Her response demonstrates that she, too, has faith in God and because of her faith her daughter is healed. Jesus’ response demonstrates that he loves all people.
We know that Jesus intended for his salvation to extend to all peoples. This was planned from the beginning. As God says through his prophet Isaiah, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6b) Apparently, God’s plan involves scattering the Israelites among the nations of the world, for that is what happened. Only now, two thousand years after Christ walked the earth, are the Israelites returning to their land.
Application: It is helpful to remember that the first Christians were Jews. When a Jew becomes a Christian it does not mean they are less of a Jew. They do not give up their heritage. It means that like we who are Gentiles, they choose to live under the New Covenant in Christ’s blood.
Food for Thought: How would being Jewish and Christian affect a person’s faith?
*Matthew 15: 21-28; Mark 7: 24-30
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I think for many, especially at the time James was writing, they would have a fulfillment for many of the promises for which they had waited. They would see how their faith made sense in the light of the Person of The Messiah. Romans 3:1-2.
If my family is scattered; I would be hurting and in need of encouragement.
Great insight, Rob. I think of Jews as a nation of people, and as God’s chosen people, but I hadn’t thought of them as “family.” You are absolutely right. They are family and the diaspora affected them by tearing families apart.