Jesus’ brothers ridiculed Him at first. ‘Go down to Jerusalem and show yourself if you think your such a big deal.’ MY WORDS, not necessarily theirs. James repented after the resurrection. Talk about a man becoming serious about his new life of faith, that would be James. He truly repented when he discovered that the brother who knew him was the Messiah, the Son of God. Imagine if that were you. James humbled himself and God raised him up.
James ministered to Jewish converts to Christ. As a nation, God was their husband. Listen to how he spoke to them!
“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, ‘He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us‘ (The spirit which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy).
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ (Proverbs 3:34)
Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:4-10 NASB)
James was serious about his faith in Jesus. He knew the truth and was bold for the sake of those who would hear and repent. James’ language was colorful, black and white and straightforward, he was dealing with people God called “stiff-necked and stubborn.” How does that compare to today? Wow! Friends with the world, agreeing with its ways, is to be an enemy of God. I think James had a better perspective of what repentance looked like than the church does today.
His Family Table 