I’m an only child, so I never had a big brother to pick on me nor a little brother to bother me. Neither did I have the blood bond of siblings, who are there to help me when I needed it.
So, it’s hard for me to imagine what it would have been like to be the earthly brother of Jesus, as he was growing up in a big family. Of course, God was Jesus’ real father and Joseph was His stepfather. But, the Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph had several other children in their home. We know four of the boys were named James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon, not to be confused with any of the Apostles having the same names. Plus, He had some sisters.
It’s interesting to know that Jesus’ earthly brothers did not follow Him during His public ministry, because they didn’t believe He was the Messiah. Apostle John reports, For even his own brothers did not believe in him. (John 7:5 NIV) In fact, at one point they accused Him of being out of His mind. (Mark 3:21-35. Also see John 7:1-6 and Matthew 12:46 for other examples.)
Through a sudden change of circumstances at the peak of Jesus’ popularity among the Jews, He was crucified. On the third day afterward, He rose from the dead. Now, I assume that Jesus’ earthly brothers saw Him sometime during the 40 days after His resurrection, because they joined their mother and the Apostles to pray together immediately after Jesus ascended to Heaven. (Acts 1:13-14) Abruptly, they changed their attitudes from that time on. Do you think it was the result of their new faith in Jesus?
Over the next few years, James, one of Jesus’ earthly brothers, became a strong leader in the church in Jerusalem. (See Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18) His spiritual maturity and influence led people to seek his guidance and approval. Eventually, he wrote one of the books of the Bible, that bears his name.
Isn’t it funny how siblings often see each other? They don’t always recognize or appreciate the good qualities in those people who live in the same family. Sometimes, they just don’t pay attention to them. Other times, all kinds of self-centered, negative attitudes, such as jealousy, envy, and pride, blind them to the truth.
Just think about it. Jesus’ brothers and sisters spent years in the same home, but they missed the most important fact about their brother-He was the Messiah, the Son of God.
Let’s look for good qualities in the people around us-whether they are siblings, parents, co-workers, fellow students, or neighbors. Then, let’s appreciate them as God’s creation. What’s more, let’s learn to love them the way God loves them, with unconditional good will. This admonition especially applies to our brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil
Copyright © 2010 Philip Walter