Growing Up with Jesus

“Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Are His sisters not here with us?” — Mark 6:3

It’s one of the only places in Scripture where we’re given the names of Jesus’ earthly family. We learn He had four brothers—James, Joses, Judas, and Simon—and at least two sisters. That’s the only time we’re told their names. No stories about them. No other mentions—except for James and Jude, who appear again later.
(Jude is the shortened form of Judas, likely used to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot.)

That’s something to think about. They lived in the same house with Jesus. They watched Him grow up. They ate meals together, shared chores, and maybe even learned the same trade. And yet… we’re told in John 7:5, “For not even His brothers were believing in Him.”

Can you imagine that? Growing up with a perfect brother. One who never sinned, never lied, never disobeyed. And not only that—He could read your thoughts. He knew when you were bitter. He knew when you were jealous. He knew when you doubted. That had to be a lot to live with.

We don’t know how Mary handled it all. Maybe she kept silent. Maybe she tried to balance the tension between knowing who Jesus was and raising the rest of her children. But it’s likely they noticed something different about Him. You can’t live with holiness and not feel it.

Still, familiarity can dull spiritual eyes. And for a long time, even His own family didn’t see Him for who He was. But that’s not where the story ends. After the resurrection, something changed.

After the resurrection, something changed.

“These all were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” — Acts 1:14

The ones who once doubted were now gathered in prayer, side-by-side with the early believers.

But notice—it doesn’t list their names. It simply says “His brothers.” We know for sure that James and Jude came to believe, because we later see them writing letters that became part of Scripture. But as for Joses, Simon, or the sisters, we can’t say for certain. Scripture doesn’t tell us if they were there in that moment or if they ever came to faith. They may have believed quietly, or perhaps their stories remained unknown.

What we do know is this: at least two of His brothers—who once didn’t believe—were now living proof of what grace can do. They weren’t just following Christ. They were boldly preaching, writing, and leading others to Him.

James—once a skeptic—became a leader in the early church. Paul confirms this in Galatians 1:19, saying,
“But I did not see another one of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.”

That same James wrote a bold letter to the church, and he didn’t use his earthly connection to Jesus to elevate himself. He simply began his letter with:

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.” — James 1:1

He didn’t try to impress anyone with family ties. He just called himself a servant. And that sets the tone for the entire letter. Later in that same chapter, James challenges the church with this:

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” — James 1:22

And again, he warns:

“In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” — James 2:17

He wasn’t speaking from theory—he knew what it meant to live without faith, and now he was calling others to walk in the real thing.

Jude also came to faith. His short but powerful letter starts with:

“Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” — Jude 1:1

Like James, Jude didn’t lead with status. He led with surrender.

Then he gives a strong exhortation:

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” — Jude 1:3

He knew this faith was worth fighting for.

And he closes his letter with these powerful words of praise:

“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.” — Jude 1:24–25

We don’t know what happened to Joses, Simon, or the sisters. Scripture goes silent on their stories. But we do know that James and Jude were no longer doubters—they became true followers of Christ. And their lives became a testimony—not just of belief, but of deep humility and real discipleship.

Sometimes, those closest to the truth are the last to believe. But when they do, they often shine the brightest.

That gives hope to anyone still praying for loved ones—Jesus’ own family came to faith in the end.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)