A certain man likes to say that he has never been wrong in his life, and after a moment he adds, “Well, once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.” This joke aptly describes how often we pretend to others that we have everything under control. A sermon on the final verses of the Letter of James (James 5:13-20) shows a different path: prayer in every situation, calling on the elders when we’ve run out of strength, confessing our sins to one another, and seeking out those who have strayed. The church is not an auditorium, but a hospital for sinners, and healing begins where hiding ends. Listen if you’re tired of pretending and want to know who you can tell that it hurts.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In James 5:14-15 it is the sick person who must call for the elders of the church. What does that step say about the attitude of the one who is sick and about the pastoral role of the elders?
- James calls Elijah a man just like us. Why would this example matter to the first readers of the letter, and how does it change the way you think about the power of praying for others?
- The speaker notes that we put a lot of effort into making others think we are doing great. What makes it easier to hide in the crowd than to tell someone where it really hurts?
- The sermon quoted the saying: if you want forgiveness, confess your sins to God, but if you want healing, confess them to one another. How do you understand the difference between forgiveness and healing?
- James ends his letter with a call to go after those who wander from the truth. What might it look like in practice to pursue someone who is slowly disappearing from the community, missing services and not answering messages?
- Who could you share your struggle with this week, or whom could you be with in person and pray for, instead of just sending a get well soon text?
