The Story Behind Jesus’ Family

I. Family: What Jesus’ family like?

Mark 6:1-6

1. They were from the house of David. If Jesus was the rightful genealogical king; that means Joseph also deserved the throne of Israel. But the House of David was not in political power when Jesus was born. In fact, the family was very poor. We know that because they offered the “poor” persons sacrifice. (Luke 2:23)

2. Jesus’ father was probably dead since he is not listed in the discussion of Mark 6:1-6, and later at the cross Jesus gives care of his mother to John.

3. Salome was probably Mary’s sister. That means that her sons, James and John would have been cousins to Jesus.

4. Siblings: Jesus had at least four brothers: James, Joses, Judas, Simon.

5. Jesus also had “sisters” meaning more than 1.

II. Some Frustrations:

1. His family was sometimes:

• John 2:1-11
• John 7:1-13
• Matthew 20:20-21

2. His family was sometimes: . (Mark 3:21)

3. Some His family

• John 7:5
• Mark 6:3

III. Observations.

1.

• Jesus put God first.
• Luke 2:41-50
• John 7:1-13

2.

• Through they could be frustrating and difficult, Jesus did not cut his family off. In fact, in Mark 6, he is visiting his home town in the midst of a busy ministry season.
• 1 Corinthians 13:8 : “Love never fails” God’s prescription:

3.

• Jesus honored parent’s needs:
• Exodus 20:12 commands us to honor our father and mother.
• 1 Samuel 22 shows us King David caring for his parents even in a time of personal crisis.
• In John 19:25-27, Jesus gave care of his mother to the Apostle John.
• We an obligation take care our parents in their season need. (1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:4)

4.

• Jesus Went to Great Lengths to win them.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 (The James mentioned there would be James brother of Jesus.) The only personal Resurrection appearance to an unbeliever to his brother James. Jesus would later appear to Saul, also causing him to convert.

IV. How Did It Turn Out?

1. Mary:

• Great humility! Acts 1:14
• Mary held on to memories of Jesus (Luke 2:19) and apparently shared them with Luke. Some of Mary’s experiences are written in the Gospel of Luke

2. Jude:

• Wrote and Epistle to combat heretics.
• Historical note about Jude’s grandson’s: Preserved Hegesippus, quoted by Eusebius: Emperor Domitian became afraid of a messianic uprising among the Jews, ordered descendants of David be put to death. Some reported the two grandsons of Jude, and they were brought directly to emperor. They admitted Davidic heritage, but explained that Christ’s kingdom was heavenly, not of this world. Showed him their hands, farm workers. Had only small plots of land. He dismissed them and brought the persecution to an end. Tradition says that they became “rulers in the church.”

3. James:

• Probably the oldest of Jesus’ brothers.
• Called “James the Just” and “Camel knees.” (Because he prayed so much)
• At the Jerusalem council, he rendered a verdict that clarified that Salvation was the free gift of God even to the Gentiles; and that Gentiles did not have to become Jews in order to be saved. (Acts 15:13-20)
• James also authored the Epistle that carries his name. The letter is an encouragement to God’s people under suffering.
• What happened to James? According to Josephus, in his work Antiquities of the Jews (Book 20, Chapter 9, 1), James was stoned. He writes: “Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, who are very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews, as we have already observed; when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he thought he had now a proper opportunity [to exercise his authority]. Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned.”

Which part of Jesus model to you need to pay more attention to?

–Is God first?

–Staying connected? Do you need to reach out?

–Are there any practical needs you’re avoiding dealing with?

–Are you praying regularly for your family’s salvation.