Who made up the house of Joseph and Mary in Nazareth? Was Jesus the only child in his family? Or, if he had any brothers or sisters, how would they relate to him?
Gospel writers often refer to his brothers and sisters. Who were Jesus' brothers and sisters?
This question has been discussed since the very beginning and many detailed essays have been written about it. His fair discussion was hampered by dogmatic considerations related to the eternal virginity of the Mother of God, the confessional questions and the canon of the non-apostolic letters. Let us omit them for now and try to present the matter directly to us in its most important aspect, avoiding simple speculation as far as possible.
Bible Verses About Jesus' Brothers and Sisters
Let me first summarize what we know about the Lord's brothers and sisters in the New Testament. They are Matthew 12:46-50, 13:55-56; Mark 3:31; 6:3; Luke 8:19; John 2:12; 7:3; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:5; And Paul speaks of James, the Lord's brother (Galatians 1:19). Of the brothers, four appear to be named in Matthew 13:55: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (see Mark 6:3). Matthew and Mark mention sisters but do not give their numbers or names. Judging by the language of the Nazarenes (Matthew 13:56, "Aren't all his sisters with us"), there must be at least two, perhaps more, and certainly married and living in Nazareth.
These brothers and sisters are not mentioned at all until after the Lord begins His ministry, and is first mentioned as going to Capernaum with His mother (John 2:12). Whether or not anyone believed his messianic claims, at least until the end of his ministry (John 7:3-10), is debatable. Most say they believed because of His resurrection when they appeared with the apostles (Acts 1:14).
In every reference to the brother of the Lord, there are some surprising things. First, they are always referred to as siblings, not cousins or relatives. Second, their relationship is always defined in relation to Him, not to Joseph or Mary. They are always referred to as Mary's sons and daughters, not his brothers and sisters. Third, they always appear in relation to Mary (except John 7:3).
Source 1: GOOD NEWS BIBLE
Source 2:Church of Jesus Christ Organization
Source 3: US Catholic.com
Link 1:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1987/03/the-brothers-of-jesus-loving-the-unbelieving-relative%3Flang%3Deng&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjE-fXNtPb7AhVIPBoKHYxnAxYQFnoECAIQAw&usg=AOvVaw3oRaZ1f7-RLEbrNrqImHHg
Link 2:
https://uscatholic.org/articles/201312/did-jesus-have-brothers-and-sisters/
Content created and supplied by: DEEPLENS.KE (via Opera News )
COMMENTS