Family of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was born into a family

He is placed in a family tree

Mt 1:1–17; Lk 1:34–37; Lk 3:23–38

His birth was a natural one

Lk 2:5–7 Jesus Christ’s conception was miraculous, his birth natural.

See also Lk 2:21–22 see Lev 12:2-4 for the instructions concerning purification after childbirth

He grew up within a family

Luke 2:48 NASB 2020

When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!”

See also Lk 2:51–52

Jesus Christ’s family is mentioned during his earthly ministry

Matthew 13:55–56 NASB 2020

Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary, and His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man acquire all these things?”

See also Mt 12:46–47; Jn 2:1; Jn 2:12

Jesus Christ’s natural brothers

James

Ga 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 Ac 15:13; 21:18; 1Co 15:7; Jas 1:1.).

See also Mt 13:55

Jude

Jude 1 NASB 2020

Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

See also Mt 13:55 Jude is understood to be a variation of Judas.

The nature of Jesus Christ’s relationships with his family

He was obedient to and caring towards his parents

Luke 2:51 NASB 2020

And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued to be subject to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

See also Jn 19:26–27

The will of his heavenly Father took precedence over the wishes of his natural family

Jn 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 Mt 12:48–50; Lk 2:48–49; Jn 7:6–8

Matthew 12:48–50 NASB 2020

But Jesus replied to the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” And extending His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold: My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.”

His family did not fully understand his ministry

John 7:3–5 NASB 2020

So His brothers said to Him, “Move on from here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself is striving to be known publicly. If You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” For not even His brothers believed in Him.

See also Mk 3:21

Jesus Christ’s natural family were among the first Christians

Acts 1:14 NASB 2020

All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

See also 1 Co 9:5