Good morning. It’s Wednesday, February 11th, aka National Latte Day!

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— Matthew 13:55

Did you know Jesus had siblings? Most likely you did. But do you know how many?

The Bible tells us exactly who His brothers were. Matthew 13:55-56 says:

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And are not his sisters here with us?”

Mark 6:3 confirms the same:

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”

So we know Jesus had four brothers: James, Joses (Joseph), Simon, and Jude/Judas (not Judas Iscariot).

We also know He had at least two sisters, because the verses use the word sisters in the plural, though their names are not given.

Some scholars suggest these could be Jesus’ cousins because the Greek word for “brother” can also mean a close relative. But the most reliable reading of Matthew and Mark shows they were His actual brothers. The verses list them with Jesus and Mary in the same household, making “siblings” the most straightforward understanding.

Since Jesus’ sisters aren’t mentioned again, let’s look at who His brothers were:

James – The most famous brother of Jesus. He didn’t believe at first, but later became a leader in the early church and even saw the resurrected Jesus (Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:7).

Joses (Joseph) – One of Jesus’ brothers mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. We don’t hear much about him, but he grew up alongside Jesus in Nazareth.

Simon – Another brother of Jesus listed in the same verses. The Bible doesn’t give more details, but he shared the family life with Jesus.

Jude/Judas (not Judas Iscariot) – The last of the four brothers mentioned (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). Like the others, we don’t know much about his story, but he was part of Jesus’ household.

Jesus having siblings shows he lived real human life with a real family just like ours

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, thank You that Jesus grew up in a real family.

Confession: Forgive me for impatience or unkindness with others.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for showing us how to love and grow together.

Supplication: Help me follow Jesus’ example in my family and relationships.

In Jesus name, Amen

“One Big Family” by Joshua Aaron

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Zach | Start With God