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James 5 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
How should we respond to sickness and what is the church’s responsibility?
In Chapter 5, James gives practical advice with a balance between physical and spiritual. First, we read that anyone who is sick has a responsibility to reach out to church leadership (he should call the elders). Unfortunately, many regular churchgoers today do not feel comfortable reaching out to the pastoral staff or elders in their body.
Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:14-15 HCSB
It is unclear by this passage whether James is more focused on a metaphorical or literal application. Some say that this is entirely spiritual. In other words, the oil represents the Holy Spirit and the healing is dependent solely on the prayers of the elders. Others say that this is physical. In ancient times, olive oil was not just ceremonial but also medicinal. It has healing and comforting properties and is prescribed elsewhere in Scripture for the treatment of wounds (Luke 10).
I believe James had both in mind. Pastoral care involves meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of your body. Someone who is overcome by sickness needs the encouraging prayers of righteous believers to be healed. However, they also need good medicinal care, and this cannot be overlooked. We know today that olive oil mimics ibuprofen and contains potent anti-inflammatory properties. The anointing of oil is done in the name of the Lord. The type of pastoral care recommended by James shows the love of Christ through two powerful avenues – physical and spiritual.
In all we do, there is a cooperation of practical wisdom and spiritual faith. It is important that we do not overlook one or the other, but that we use the resources provided to us and pray for divine intervention.
James as you say is a straight forward practical book. Honest, sobering look at what a Christian's life should look like. It makes a person examine their lives to see where they fall short and could be doing better in their walk with the Lord.