Did the Lord Jesus have brothers?

Question:

I have heard different opinions: some say that Jesus had brothers and others say He did not. What does the Bible say in this regard?

Lord Jesus had brothers

Yes, Lord Jesus had brothers and the Bible mentions it many times. Evangelist Matthew writes:

While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” (Matthew 12:46-47)(NASB)

The Book of Acts tells us that after Jesus’ ascension, the disciples

When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:13-14)(NASB)

We know the name of Jesus’ brothers

Evangelist Mark tells us even the name of Jesus’ brothers:

Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. (Mark 6:1-3)(NASB)

So, Lord Jesus had both brothers and sisters.

Jesus was conceived from the Holy Spirit

All these brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus were only through the maternal line, because the Father of the Lord Jesus is God, while Joseph is the father of the other brothers and sisters.

You can become the brother of Jesus

The evangelist Luke tells us the following:

And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8 :19-21)(NASB)

If you hear the word of God and do it in your daily life, you also become a brother or sister of Christ. God help you to be so.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru