When Jesus' brothers saw what Jesus was capable of and how he drew the crowds, they encouraged Jesus to go to Judea. There he couldshow his miracles to the world. Jerusalem was in Judea. “You should leave here and head down to Judea so your followers there can see the kinds of things you’re doing.If you want to spread the word, you don’t keep it a secret. The world needs to meet you and see what you’re doing” (John 7:3-4).
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus used the opportunity of his brothers’ visit to teach about the spiritual ties between his followers and him. He told them, "Anyone who does what God wants is family to me."
Forever a virgin?
The brothers of Jesus were mentioned in the Bible as his siblings, but their relationship with Jesus has been debated by scholars. The Casual English Bible say that some people believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had other children with Joseph after Jesus was born. Other Christians say Mary remained a virgin.
Jesus brothers, or were they cousins?
In the Gospel of Mark, people from Jesus' hometown called him the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon (Mark 6:3). However, in Catholic tradition, scholars say Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. So, these "brothers" were cousins or close relatives.
Brother James, pastor in Jerusalem?
Christian tradition teaches that the brothers became his followers after his death and resurrection. James, one of the brothers, became a leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem and wrote the book of James in the New Testament.
Despite the debate around their relationship with Jesus, the brothers of Jesus served as important figures in the expanding Christian movement after his death.
