If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead

Many of you I’m sure have read the Book of James in the Bible. A virtual manual on the topic of faith, James’ teachings are vital to anyone on the spiritual journey. His instruction on faith is an eye-opener for every believer. But did you know that if Jesus had not risen from the dead, James, Jesus’ own brother, would not have become a believer? 

James would have lived and grown up with Jesus, yet did not believe that Jesus was whom He claimed to be, after all John 7:5 clearly states that His brothers did not believe in Him and in Matthew 13:57, Jesus Himself says that He had no honour among His own family. James belonged to the category of persons of whom Jesus asked, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” (ref. Matthew 12:48).

Even Peter, Jesus’ most zealous disciple and one of three in His inner circle, who walked with Jesus throughout His three years of Ministry, was a witness to every miracle that He performed, was atop the mountain at the time of the transfiguration, was himself a walker-on-water, though just for a moment, and, through the divine wisdom declared the truth of Jesus’ identity, did not fully understand Jesus’ earthly assignment until after His death and resurrection. 

This is evident simply because even though Jesus had told the disciples what was about to occur, mere hours later, it was Peter who drew his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, in an attempt to stop Jesus' arrest (see John 18:10). If Jesus had not risen from the dead, Peter may have remained ignorant of Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth.

Where would we have been today if Jesus had not risen from the dead? Can you imagine?

James’ teaching is critical to our understanding the working of our faith, the joy that is found in various trials we face, the importance of controlling our tongues and the tremendous power that is made available to us through our earnest heartfelt prayer. 

The Book of James, filled with divine wisdom for proper living, would not have been written if Jesus had not risen from the dead.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Port of Spain Trinidad

Peter was instrumental in the establishment of the Church, for it was Peter who, by the power of Divine wisdom acknowledged that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (see Matthew 16:16). To which Jesus, proclaiming “on this rock I will build My church” (see Matthew 16:18), established His congregation upon the truth of Peter’s testimony, yet at the time, Peter himself did not truly grasp the verity of it. 

“Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for our sins in accordance with [what] the Scriptures [foretold], That He was buried, that He arose on the third day as the Scriptures foretold, And [also] that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve.” (AMPC)

According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, Peter was the first disciple to see Jesus alive after the resurrection and was the first to preach the Good News of His resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The church would not have been built if Jesus had not risen from the dead, for Christ’s resurrection is essential to Christianity.

Amen†

Shelley Johnson “If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead” © 2017 revisited April 21, 2025