Jesus' Siblings 

James, the second child, was born in the early morning hours of April 2, 3 BCE. Jesus was three and one-half years old. James was a well-balanced and even-tempered youth, but he was not as spiritually inclined as Jesus. He had a long estrangement from Jesus but never lost faith. He was baptized alongside Jesus and would become the head of the church in Jerusalem after Jesus’ death.

Miriam, the first daughter of Mary and Joseph, was born on the night of July 11, 2 BCE. Jesus was not quite five years old. She was a responsible and helpful sister, assisting the family by selling milk and butter, and had a keen appreciation of things noble and spiritual. She was the belle of the family, and after marrying Jacob the stone mason, lived near Mary in Nazareth.

Joseph, the second brother, was born Wednesday morning, March 16, 1 CE when Jesus was seven years old. Joseph was a faithful worker, but not spiritually minded. He was a plodder and not up to the intellectual level of the other children. He didn't fully embrace Jesus' non-violent teachings and often struggled to understand Jesus' mission.

Simon, the third brother, was born Friday evening, April 14, 2 CE when Jesus was eight years old. Simon was well-meaning but too much of a dreamer. He was slow in getting settled down in life and was the cause of considerable anxiety to the family. But he had good intentions and ultimately became a skilled mason. He got married in a double wedding with his brother Jude in 24 CE.

Martha, the second daughter, was born Thursday night, September 13, 3 CE when Jesus was nine years old. She was Jesus’ second sister and though slow in thought and action, she was very dependable and efficient. She also became an expert weaver. Martha married at the age of seventeen.

Jude, Jesus’ fourth brother, was born Wednesday evening, June 24, 5 CE when Jesus was eleven years old. Jude was a firebrand, causing trouble during his childhood, and eventually becoming a political activist for the Zealots. Jesus spent a night in prison with Jude after an altercation with a Roman guard led to his arrest. He eventually found his calling as a fisherman.

Amos, Jesus’ baby brother, was born Sunday night, January 9, 7 CE when Jesus was thirteen years old. On Saturday afternoon, December 3, 12 CE, little Amos died after a week’s illness with a high fever at the age of five. During this time of sorrow, Mary looked to Jesus for support and recognized him as the family's leader.

Ruth, the baby of the family, was born Wednesday evening, April 17, 9 CE after Joseph’s death. Jesus was fifteen years old. Ruth was the sunshine of the home; though her words were careless, her heart was pure. She just about worshiped her big brother and had an unwavering belief in Jesus' divinity from an early age. She supported him throughout his ministry, witnessed his crucifixion, and went on to marry David Zebedee.