If you are from the Art Linkletter era, you’ll recognize the title of today’s blog post. Some of the most popular commercials throughout time have involved children. Children seem to have life figured out (in their own minds) and so often give advice to their friends.

Take for example a conversation I overheard a few years ago between a couple of boys. This was their conversation.

“I have to go to confession.”

“What is that?”

“Oh you should come. It’s when I go in and tell the priest all of the things I’ve done wrong. I can tell him anything. All the bad stuff I’ve done and he can’t tell anyone, not even my mom!”

And then there was this conversation I overheard this past Sunday as two young lads were filling up on free coffee at the coffee station.

“A donut would be really good with this coffee.”

“Yeah it would. But we haven’t had donuts here since my mom was like 32 and she’s like 50 now.”

I had to laugh. This young man couldn’t have been more than 10 years old. Did he even know his mother when she was “like” 32?

Kids. Yes, they say the darndest things.

In a recent study of the book of James, I became aware of some of the family dynamics that probably took place in the home of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and His siblings. Obviously we don’t know for certain what played out in this home, but what we see in Scripture was captured after years of growing up together.

I’m sure there was sibling rivalry. Rumors probably flowed freely on the playground about Jesus. Possibly a dislike for Jesus just because He was the oldest. And in all likelihood, words spoken that were mean and designed to be hurtful.

And these feelings didn’t stop just because they grew up. We see encounters between these siblings as adults in Scripture. Matthew 13:53-58 and Mark 6:1-6 give us a glimpse into the family setting. While in His hometown, this is what the folks there thought of Him. But listed in this section are two verses that show us the family dynamics of this family.

“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:55-56 – NIV)

Aren’t these beautiful verses? Jesus grew up in a large family! Four brothers and several sisters. And who is the first on the list of brothers? James. The author of the book of James.

Another passage that shows us what Jesus’ family life was like is in John 7:1-10. Jesus’ brothers seem to taunt Him. Almost daring Him to go public with His ministry. And this little verse says it all. “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:5 – NIV)

How that must have hurt Jesus and Mary. The two people on earth who without a doubt knew the truth. But Jesus continued with His work while His brothers lingered just outside the circle.

Take a look at these passages. They describe moments during Jesus’ ministry when His family were nearby. Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:20-30; Luke 8:19-21; and John 2:1-11. They watched from a distance, but like so many, they were drawn to Him.

Relationships between these brothers were eventually mended. They no longer considered Jesus to be out of His mind. They were believers!

At the gathering after Jesus was taken to heaven, Jesus’ brothers were in the group (Acts 1:13-14).

Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:7.

James became a pillar of the early church (Galatians 2:9).

Paul spent some time with James while in Jerusalem. (Galatians 1:18-19).

James wrote what is believed to be the first book written in the New Testament and when studied carefully, Jesus’ language is continued through this short book.

Another sibling of Jesus and James wrote the even shorter book of Jude.

These young men grew to be great leaders in God’s Kingdom and Christ’s Church. As I look at this family from a mother’s perspective I’m certain Mary could not have been more proud of how these youngsters turned out. Her heart must have been filled to overflowing with joy.

What insight we find about God’s family as we look into Jesus’ earthly family. We may have differences. We may be unkind to one another. We might even say we act like brats. But when it comes down to it, we are family. We are part of God’s family. And we must learn to get along and love one another regardless of our differences.

Just like our Lord’s earthly family, we must find come to the place where Jesus is the most important element. He must be the Lord of our lives. He must reign in our hearts. It’s then that we can come along side our siblings in Christ and really do Kingdom work.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.