2535 Jesus Christ, family of

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 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 Lk 2:48 See also Lk 2:51-52

Jesus Christ’s family is mentioned during his earthly ministry

Mt 13:55-56 pp Mk 6:3 See also Mt 12:46-47 pp Mk 3:31-32 pp Lk 8:19-20; Jn 2:1,12

Jesus Christ’s natural brothers

James Gal 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 pp Mk 6:3

Jude Jude 1 See also Mt 13:55 pp Mk 6:3 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 Lk 2:51 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 pp Mk 3:33-35; Lk 2:48-49; Jn 7:6-8

His family did not fully understand his ministry Jn 7:3-5 See also Mk 3:21

Jesus Christ’s natural family were among the first Christians Ac 1:14 See also 1Co 9:5

See also