Jesus Christ belonged to a human family and experienced family relationships during his earthly ministry. Such relationships underline the fact of Christ's humanity.
Jesus Christ was born into a family
He is placed in a family tree
Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 1:34–37, Luke 3:23–38
His birth was a natural one
Luke 2:5–7 Jesus Christ's conception was miraculous, his birth natural. See also Luke 2:21–22 see Leviticus 12:2–4 for the instructions concerning purification after childbirth
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
He grew up within a family
Luke 2:48 See also Luke 2:51–52
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
Jesus Christ's family is mentioned during his earthly ministry
Matthew 13:55–56 parallel Mark 6:3 See also Matthew 12:46–47 parallels Mark 3:31–32, Luke 8:19–20; John 2:1, John 2:12
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”
Jesus Christ's natural brothers
James
Galatians 1:19 This verse gives support to the traditional view that James, elder at Jerusalem and writer of the NT letter which bears his name was the Lord's brother. (Other references to him include Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18; 1 Corinthians 15:7; James 1:1.). See also Matthew 13:55 parallel Mark 6:3
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
Jude
Jude 1:1 See also Matthew 13:55 parallel Mark 6:3 Jude is understood to be a variation of Judas.
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ:
The nature of Jesus Christ's relationships with his family
He was obedient to and caring towards his parents
Luke 2:51 See also John 19:26–27
Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
The will of his heavenly Father took precedence over the wishes of his natural family
John 2:3–4 In John's Gospel, Jesus Christ's “time” (or “hour”) is his cross. Here Christ insists that only his heavenly Father can dictate the course of his ministry. See also Matthew 12:48–50 parallel Mark 3:33–35; Luke 2:48–49; John 7:6–8
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His family did not fully understand his ministry
John 7:3–5 See also Mark 3:21
So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.
Jesus Christ's natural family were among the first Christians
Acts 1:14 See also 1 Corinthians 9:5
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.