Acts 11:27–12:5
Romans 8:28–39
Mark 10:35–45
St. James the Elder, Apostle
The sons of Zebedee ask for seats at Jesus’ right and left in glory (Mark 10:37). But they do not know what they are asking (Matt. 20:22), for God’s kingdom is not of glory and power but the cross. We will bear ours after Him. For His sake we are killed and regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. But in all this we are more than conquerors through Him (Rom. 8:36–37), for Jesus’ death is unique. He alone is baptized with our sin and drinks the cup of God’s wrath against it (Mark 10:38). We live in service to our neighbors after His example; but He alone is the Son of Man, come to give His life as a ransom for many (v. 45).
Today the Church commemorates the fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy about James, killed with Herod’s sword (Acts 12:2). He is honored as the first apostle to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29). But what is that when Christ Jesus has died—more than that, is raised—and is at the right hand of God, interceding for us? Nothing (not even a sword)can separate James and us from the love of Christ (v. 34–35).
Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship
