7 Bible Verses That Answer the Question

The Bible often refers to Jesus in many profound ways. He is called the Son of God, Savior, Redeemer — but did you know that scripture also describes Jesus as our brother? This powerful connection highlights Jesus and His solidarity with us. Below are 7 key Bible verses that explore this unique relationship.

The Era of Classical Antiquity

In Jewish society 2,000 years ago, the eldest brother held a pivotal role within the family structure. He was seen as both a protector, rescuing them from harm, including bondage, and a caretaker, entrusted with safeguarding his younger siblings while ensuring their well-being.

The eldest brother’s role extended beyond mere protection, as the eldest brother, he often assumed a paternal position, offering guidance and support to his siblings as though they were his own children. He always submitted to and obeyed his Father’s commands, even till death, serving as a pillar of the family. He was a symbol of strength, authority, and a strong sense of responsibility, dedicated to maintaining the unity and security of the household.

Hebrews 2:11

“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”

Key Insight: This verse emphasizes the deep familial connection that Jesus shares with believers. By sanctifying us, He sets us apart and makes us holy, bringing us into the family of God. This profound act of grace means that we are not just followers but cherished members of the same spiritual family, united in God’s redemptive plan. It highlights the close relationship we have with Jesus, who calls us brothers and sisters, reflecting the closeness and love we are meant to experience as part of God’s kingdom.

Matthew 12:50

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Key Insight: Jesus, as our elder brother, defines His spiritual family here, describing those who follow God’s will as His brothers, sisters, and even His mother, highlighting the deep bond of obedience and faith.

Romans 8:29

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Key Insight: This verse reveals Jesus as the “firstborn” among believers, highlighting His role as the preeminent example of faith and righteousness. It affirms that through Jesus, we are brought into God’s family, sharing in His inheritance and becoming co-heirs of eternal life. This amazing truth emphasizes the unity and relationship we have with God Almighty through our big brother, Jesus.

Hebrews 2:17

“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people”

Key Insight: While this verse primarily speaks about Jesus’ role as our High Priest, it explains how He is like us, as mankind, demonstrating a sibling-like closeness to mankind.

Mark 3:35

“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.“

Key Insight: Similar to Matthew 12:50, this verse reiterates that Jesus considers those who live in obedience to God as His true family.

John 20:17

“Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Key Insight: After His resurrection, Jesus refers to His disciples as “brothers,” showcasing their shared relationship with God the Father.

Psalm 22:22 (Prophetic Reference)

“I will declare your name to my brothers; in the assembly, I will praise you.”

Key Insight: Quoted in Hebrews 2, this Old Testament prophecy foreshadows Jesus calling believers His brothers, emphasizing the unity and shared purpose among God’s people.

Hopeful Thoughts

These verses provide a beautiful reminder of our connection to Jesus not just as our Savior, but also as our eldest brother. His and role in God’s family bring us closer to Him and offer a sense of belonging in His eternal kingdom.

If you’re looking to dive deeper, use these verses as a starting point to explore the spiritual family God has created through His Son. Through our big brother Jesus, we are welcomed as sons and daughters of God Almighty, becoming part of something bigger and more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

We are here for you!

We commit our lives to God the Father and His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ! We are in the business of spreading the good news, to inspire hope, share the message of deliverance, and ultimately plant the seed of saving faith.

Our desire is to extend and share with others the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God, which are available to all through faith in Him. Our goal is to encourage others to hold on to this message, enjoy the peace that comes from His promises, and find the pathway to life as we learn the Father’s ways and live by them.

If you need prayer, encouragement, or assistance of any kind, please contact us. It would be our pleasure to help and bless you in any way we can!

Let us close in prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)