The Bible is full of stories of siblings, from Cain and Abel to James and John. While sibling relationships are sometimes fraught with difficulties, they can also be a great blessing, offering opportunities to strengthen our faith and further the kingdom of God. In this second installment of our Siblings in Scripture series, learn about Mary, Martha and Lazarus, James and John, and the sons of Jacob.
Joseph and His Brothers
Because Jacob had four wives, the relationships among his children were fraught with difficulty. Benjamin and Joseph were often shown the most favor, as their mother Rachel was Jacob’s most beloved wife. One day, when Jacob gifted Joseph a colorful tunic, his brothers were so overcome with jealousy that they threw him into a pit with the intention of killing him. However, when a group of Midianite slave traders passed by, the brothers decided to sell Joseph into slavery.
Though Joseph lived for a time as a slave and was even falsely imprisoned, he eventually became Pharoah’s trusted advisor. God used Joseph’s position of authority to save Egypt from an impending famine. When the neighboring lands were affected by the famine, some of Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt in search of food. At first, they did not recognize Joseph. He agreed to give them provisions to take home, but in exchange, he made them promise to return with their youngest brother, Benjamin. Upon their return, he revealed his identity to them and assured them of his forgiveness:
“But Joseph replied to them: ‘Do not fear. Can I take the place of God? Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people. So now, do not fear. I will provide for you and for your children.’ By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them.” — Genesis 50:19-21
Their story is a clear example of how what man intends for evil, God can use for good.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
As Jesus’ close friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are remembered for their generosity and hospitality. The Gospel of Luke describes an occasion when Jesus visited their home. Martha was busy making dinner while her sister Mary was sitting and listening to Him teach. Desperate for help, Martha implored Jesus to make Mary join her. Instead of granting her request, Jesus admonished Martha:
“The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42)
Later, when Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus became ill, they sent word to Jesus that he was unwell. Jesus responded that the illness would not end in death, but that it would be used to glorify God. Yet He did not visit Lazarus immediately, and the sisters and disciples were confused. Two days passed before Jesus returned to Bethany, and in that time, Lazarus had died. When Jesus arrived, Mary remained at home, but Martha went out to meet Him. Martha demonstrated her faith in Jesus by telling Him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [But] even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.’” (John 11:21-22)
In response, Jesus assured her that her brother would rise, and she responded that she knew he would rise on the last day. Then Mary came to Him, weeping, and Jesus also wept. He went with her to the tomb, where they rolled away the stone, and Jesus prayed and commanded Lazarus to come out. When Lazarus immediately walked out from the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes, they were astonished. In raising Lazarus, Jesus not only demonstrated His love for His friends, but also His power and sovereignty as God, triumphant over death.
James and John
Before being called as disciples, the brothers James and John were fishermen by trade. They first met Jesus one day after a fruitless night on the sea. Seeing their discouragement, He commanded them to cast their nets one more time, and they did — bringing up so many fish that their nets were bursting. Jesus then asked them to follow Him, saying that He would make them “fishers of men” — and James and John followed Him unhesitatingly.
James and John’s emotional fervor caused Jesus to nickname them “the Sons of Thunder.” On more than one occasion, Jesus had to rebuke them for their strong reactions, including when they told a man to stop casting out demons in His name, as well as when they wished to call fire down from heaven upon a group of Samaritans who refused to receive them.
Despite their overenthusiasm, James and John witnessed some of the most important moments of Jesus’ ministry, including the healing of Jairus’ daughter, and most significantly, the Transfiguration. James and John were also with Him in Gethsemane, where they fell asleep when Jesus asked them to keep watch with Him. James and John were key figures in spreading the good news of the Gospel, both in their personal witness as well as through John’s Gospel account.