Thinking about jealousy this morning, I had a thought about the jealousy that occurs between siblings. Actually, it was a couple of questions.
Q1. When Jesus was growing up, was he ever jealous of his brothers and sisters?
Q2. Were they ever jealous of him?
A1 The bible tells us in 2 Corthianians 5:21 that Jesus was made to be sin for us because he knew no sin. That way we sinners can become righteous through God in him.
Jesus was God and even as a child growing up was obedient to his parents in every way. But then what about his brothers and sisters?
A2. Of course, they had jealousy issues. They were human. And they knew he was different. He was special. I can only imagine what it must have been like by having a sibling that was so special. The bible says that his brothers did not even believe he was really God's Son (John 7:5) until after he was crucified and had been resurrected. (Acts 1:14, I Corthianians 15:7)
Not only that but his parents, Mary and Joseph knew he was special because he was God's Son. No doubt that they treated him differently which had to have caused some jealousy among his siblings.
However interesting the life of Jesus and his family is, that is a study for in the near future. Today we are thinking about overcoming jealousy in ourselves.
And as we know it is not always easy. In fact, I would venture to say, it is probably never easy for people because it becomes ingrained in us from childhood. The older we get, the harder it may be. But there are ways. And it is something that God does want us to work on to become more like him.
So in the last few days I have mentioned that we need to read and study what the bible says about jealousy. Understanding what it can lead to, as in the murder of Able by his brother Cain is very Old Testament scripture. But it is so very relevant for the times we live in today. Recognizing it in ourselves, asking God's forgiveness, learning his word, prayer, going to church, fellowshipping with other Christians....these are all ways to grow as a Christian in all aspects that Jesus wants for us. But there are personal ways to overcome it as well.
I am still going to get to those, I promise. I had just been thinking about the siblings of Jesus this morning and went with that. But tomorrow, I will get back on track. Please come back. In the meantime, thanks for coming today and have a Blessed Lord's Day!
January 27, 2019 Promise: The Lord is good. He is a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
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