Behavior analysis proved to be one of the most insightful courses I undertook. This intensive educational experience illuminated the intuitive understanding that many law enforcement officers develop regarding truthfulness and deception, honed through countless interactions with seasoned criminals. The course provided a framework for articulating the subtle cues that inform our judgments about a person’s veracity.
Just as human physiology offers irrefutable evidence – such as the constriction of pupils indicating opiate use – behavior analysis reveals unspoken narratives that individuals attempt to conceal. Applying this analytical lens to the Apostles of Christ has deepened my faith. Before delving into the reasons why, it’s important to state my conviction that the Gospels, penned by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are reliable, historically grounded, and accurate accounts.
Let’s examine the behavior of James, the brother of Jesus. It’s crucial to distinguish him from the two disciples bearing the same name. Initially, James, along with other family members, did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. As John 7:5 states, “For not even his brothers believed in Him.” In fact, their skepticism went further; they believed He was mentally unstable. Mark 3:21 recounts, “… they (his family) went out to seize Him, for they were saying, ‘He is out of his mind,’” when a crowd gathered around Jesus near their home.
What level of evidence is required to change one’s deeply held beliefs? For me, it demands proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard employed in criminal courts. I believe this held true for James. Paul alluded to this in his letter to the Corinthians, writing about the resurrected Christ, “Then He (Jesus) appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Jesus acted with purpose. Just as He invited the doubting Thomas to touch His wounds, saying, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe,” He also chose to appear to His skeptical brother, James, before appearing to the other disciples. To say James was simply convinced is an understatement. Initially, he doubted his brother. Then, he believed Jesus was mentally unsound. Perhaps this explains his absence during the crucifixion, leaving John to comfort Mary.
However, upon witnessing the resurrected Jesus, James underwent a profound transformation. He gained absolute certainty that Jesus was the Messiah, as evidenced by the opening of his testament: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, …” These words are not those of a skeptic or doubter, let alone someone who still believed Jesus needed psychiatric help. Ironically, one of the first messages he penned addresses those who doubt, in James 1:5-6: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
What was James’ reward for abandoning doubt? He was stoned to death. Is this the behavior of someone perpetuating a fraud, a deception, or a massive conspiratorial lie? I think not! James knew his death would simply mark the beginning of eternal life. This is behavior that should be analyzed. If your life feels like a wave tossed by the wind, perhaps it’s time to cast aside doubt and arrive at the same conclusion as James. Consider the Easter evidence.
-Jim