The Resurrected Lord

     Did you know Jesus had other brothers and sisters? It must have been tough growing up with the perfect child. Can you relate? Was one of your brothers or sisters a little better at math, a natural athlete, the one you strived to imitate?

     Jesus never sinned. He was the perfect child. He never would have tattled to Mary or Joseph. I am sure he offered the last piece of dessert to someone else. He would know when they were lying. He knew when they were sleeping. He knew when they were good or bad. And Jesus was real. Really man. Really God. Perfection is tough on a little brother or sister.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet He did not sin.  Hebrews 4;15

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  3 Corinthians 5:21

He committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth. 1 Peter 2:22

But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.  1 John 3:5

     No sin; a tough act to follow for His brothers and sisters. Is it any wonder they mocked Jesus, along with many others? Can’t be my brother. Mr. perfect? The Lord? I don’t think so.

     At the cross, we find no immediate family there, other than Mary, His mother. We find no disciples, other than John. Everyone else deserted Him in His hour of need. They did not understand.

     It would take the resurrection. He appeared to all of them. Jesus appeared to them all, including his brother, James.  James saw the resurrected Christ. James would lead the church in Jerusalem, and he wrote a book in the New Testament. Read the first sentence with me.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…James 1:1

     It is the same for us. Many mock Jesus today. Many turn away from Him. It takes an encounter with the resurrected Jesus for us all. And when He calls our name we say, “My Lord and my God.”

Dear Lord,

You did live the perfect life, the only one without sin. You rose from the dead for us. We pray for an encounter with the resurrected Lord. Help us to see You as Lord and savior of our lives, Jesus.

Amen