It is an intriguing relationship. Only 6 months apart in age, cousins. They would certainly have met during childhood though they lived many miles apart. There was great respect between them, borne by the fact that John told everyone that Jesus was the great one and Jesus chose to be baptized by John.
What was their relationship like?
Has anyone read any good books that explain this please and has anyone got thoughts about it?
All we can do is conjecture as Lamb indicated. God is silent about so much of Jesus's family life.
I haven't read any certain books directed at this subject. So, we must go on the little revelation we are given.
I personally don't believe Jesus had a happy family relationship with His immediate family. Though Joseph was a good man, and knew Mary's child was from God, he always knew it wasn't his. And the others born to him were. To me, I don't think he could hide his affection being more to them then to Jesus.
And, I believe Jesus siblings would have picked up on this easily and reflected the same. They certainly didn't believe Who Jesus really was later. (John 7:5) Why would they have doubted if Joseph and Mary had been honest and up front with Who Jesus really was and treated Him as such? And Jesus friends thought He was beside Himself. (Mark 3:21) And at the same time His unbelieving bretheren and His mother sought Him out. (John 3:31) Would it no have been for the same reason?
And can anyone doubt the typology of Jacob's son, Joseph, compared to Christ. Rejected of his bretheren. (Gen. 37:18-19) Sold into slavery for 20 pieces of silver. (Gen. 37:28) Elevated to the very throne to rule. (Gen. 41:40) etc. etc. Point being, Jesus is rejected of his brethern. Not a happy home life. Just as Joseph's was not.
And what of Mary? She knew more than anyone Who Jesus was. Yet she didn't provide much influence on her family as they rejected Him. (John 7:5-6) She knew, and so asked Him at the Cana wedding feast for a miracle. (John 2:3) What was His response? Yes mother? Not hardly. His response was "Woman, what have I to do with thee: mine hour is not yet come." That is the same response Jesus gave to His unbelieveing brethern. (John 7:5-6)
My point is I don't believe Jesus had a happy immediate family experience. But, John the Baptist His cousin would have a close relationship with Jesus based on, not their physical connection as cousins, but because they were of God and both would share in the ministry of Jesus Christ on this earth. (Luke 1:41)
So I do belive Jesus and John would have had a close relationship growing up. But both would equally not have their relationship affect their Godly purpose. And in both their purpose they experienced a doubt, yet continued through it. (Matt. 11:3) (Matt. 27:46)
Lees
