Question
Hey gramps,
I was just recently watching a bible video (by the Church) about young Jesus teaching at a temple. Mary came looking for him and holding her hand were two young children. Does Jesus have siblings? And if he does, where does it say he does? Thank you in advance
Katiana
Answer
Dear Katiana,
Yes, the Savior had siblings – the children of Mary and Joseph. We don’t know much about them, but they are referenced in a few scriptures. In Matthew 13(also Mark 6:3) we learn that he had four brothers (at least) and an unknown number of sisters:
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
There are a few other references to his brothers, which you can find in the Topical Guide entry on Christ’s family, and in the Bible Dictionary entry “Brethren of the Lord” (and entries on the individual names).
Most interesting to note is that epistles written by two of his brothers appear in the New Testament: the Epistle of Jude and the Epistle of James. Studying these epistles in this light may give one new thoughts and feelings about what they read.
I hope you enjoy reading the various passages about the Lord’s family, and pondering their lives in that light.
Gramps
