SIBLING RIVALRIES

As the oldest of four siblings, I’ve had some first hand experience with the rivalries of growing up in the same home. As the father of five, I’ve also witnessed these brother and sisterly competitions. I know both how trivial these rivalries can be, and also the pain that they can cause. For some the commandment to “love thy neighbor” is easy—unless the “neighbor” lives under the same roof.

Jesus had his own share of sibling rivalries to deal with. The bible does not tell us a lot about Jesus and his siblings. One can only speculate as to what it must have been like to grow up in Mary and Joseph’s home. How much did these parents share with their children about the miraculous birth of their older brother? Did they ever talk about the visit of shepherds or the magi? Did Jesus’ siblings know how his life was threatened as a child, of their father’s dreams and the flight into Egypt?

As Jesus grew up we know that He became aware of His divine nature. His understanding of the scriptures marveled those at the temple as Jesus stayed behind to be about “His Father’s business.” Did Jesus’ family ever talk together about this visit to Jerusalem? Or did His siblings tease Jesus for trying to be a big shot? Was Jesus despised as Joseph was with his coat of many colors? What other family memories might they have shared growing up with Jesus?

While much remains a mystery, what we do know underscores the reality that even Jesus had to deal with sibling rivalries. As Jesus began His public ministry, teaching about the kingdom of God and performing miracles, those closest to Him were baffled by what they saw and heard. Could the brother they had grown up with really be the Messiah?

• For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
  John 7:5 NIV

If I were Jesus, I think that I would have turned these brothers into bugs or struck them with lightning. Of all people they should know better. They grew up with Jesus! How could they doubt Jesus, even challenge Him?

Sometimes we find ourselves facing the ridicule and rejection of our families for our faith in Christ. Parents can teach their children the truths of scripture and be involved in the ministries of a local church, yet their children choose not to believe. Let’s find hope in the life of Jesus and His siblings. While they were slow to believe, after the resurrection they too put their faith in Jesus. God will continue to work patiently in the lives of our family members to bring them to salvation. What do you think?