by Micah Messer
Jesus was the oldest child in Joseph and Mary’s Nazarene home. He was the firstborn of the family. He was the big brother. Jesus had several siblings, four brothers and at least two sisters. (Matt. 13:55-56) The boys were named James, Joseph, Simeon, and Jude. Most likely, they’re listed according to age. James and Joseph Junior were the two oldest. Simeon was probably named after Simeon in Luke 2. And Jude was the baby boy. James and Jude should sound familiar to you. (They wrote two books in the New Testament.) I’m just guessing, but I think the two sisters could’ve been named Elizabeth and Anna. What do you think?
And what kind of big brother do you think Jesus was? Did He help James with his chores? Did He help Joseph with his homework? Did He wrestle with the boys? Did He stand up to the neighborhood bully? Did He play ball with the guys? Did He play house with the girls? Did He build a playhouse for them? Did He show Jude how to hammer? Did He show Simon insights into the Scriptures? I think He did. I think He did because in the Gospels Jesus loved children and children loved Jesus. (Matt. 18:1-16; 19:13-16) I think He did because in the Gospels Jesus restores respect to women. I think He did because in the Gospels Jesus delegates duties to the disciples. He never lost His temper or abused His authority. He knew when to be silent and when to speak. He knew when to be tough and when to be tender. I think Jesus was the perfect big brother.
But in their eyes, Jesus could not have been the Messiah. He was too familiar with the family. Too intimate with the inner circle. None of them believed in Him before His death. (Mark 3:21-22) All of them believed in Him after His resurrection. (Acts 1:14) Jesus privately appeared to James, who would become the leader of the Jerusalem church. They all became a part of a bigger family, the family of God, where Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren. (Rom. 8:17, 29) They became adopted sons and daughters of their Heavenly Father, where Jesus is the Elder Brother of us all. (Eph. 1:5; Titus 3:7)
He is the firstborn of the faithful. Jesus is our elder brother. And Jesus is still the perfect brother. Always calm and cool. Always tough and tender. Always gentle and generous. Always loving and loyal.
I always wanted a big brother.
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