And With His Brothers

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren.” (Acts 1:14)

There is a passage about Jesus’ earthly half brothers, the sons of Mary and Joseph, that they did not believe in Jesus. They grew up in the same home with Jesus and their sisters. It was time for the annual Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem. His half brothers dared Him to go to Judea where He had great opposition. (John 7:1-5)

When we read our text for today we find Jesus’ brothers with the one hundred and twenty believers gathered in an upper room for a ten day prayer meeting. Later we find two of His brothers, James and Jude writing two of the epistles we have today. So, what made the difference?

There were a number of things that changed their attitudes about Jesus. First they witnessed Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Second, they heard Jesus speak from the cross entrusting Mary, their mother, into the care of John the Apostle. That must have pricked their hearts, realizing they were not worthy to take care of their mother. Third, they knew that Jesus, who was dead, was now alive following His resurrection.

One cannot go to the cross and the empty tomb and remain the same.