Bible Study - When Was JESUS Actually Born? - December 21, 2025

Bible Study - When Was JESUS Actually Born? - December 21, 2025

I was in my early twenties before I knew the facts surrounding December 25 as Christmas Day, the date Christians in America and some other areas celebrate the birth of JESUS.

Let’s explore through the words of Candice Lucey…… I will underline or highlight her work as lead. Enjoy!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR JESUS HAS RISEN AND REIGNS. Faith in JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!!!

Caution: Often, when we try to document a certain event and we fail, it can spawn doubts about the event. DO NOT CHASE THIS THOUGHT. The BASIS TO DOCUMENT THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE PROMISED MESSIAH’S BIRTH, LIFE, DEATH, RESURRECTION and ASCENSION OF JESUS ARE CAPTURED IN THE BIBLE AND CONFIRMED BY THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE RETURN OF JESUS, SATAN WILL DO ALL SATAN CAN DO TO CONFUSE THE ELECT. DO NOT BE A VICTIUM OF CONFUSION. GOD’S WORD, AS RECORDED IN THE BIBLE, HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME AND is CONFIRMED BY THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT.

When Was Jesus Actually Born?

Christ’s birth is traditionally celebrated in the West on December 25th, but many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. Neither date is likely correct in light of several clues uncovered by historians and information in the Bible itself.

I read many years ago, that the Emperor Constantine established December 25 as JESUS’ birthday. December 25 was a pagan holiday. The pagan’s celebrated on December 25, so Emperor Constantine, becoming a Christian himself, decided to make December 25 the date JESUS was born.

One thing sure and two things certain, JESUS WAS BORN. Although we do not know the exact date, it does not discount the authenticity of HIS Birth as the promised Messiah. Let’s consider the writing of Candice Lucey --------

Candice Lucey

Contributing Writer

Many have researched and attempted to answer the question, "When was Jesus actually born?" The birth of Jesus Christ was a pivotal moment in history and has long been a subject of scholarly debate and theological contemplation. The Nativity of Jesus Christ is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Day, December 25th, but let's look into whether this was actually Christ's birthday.

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide accounts of Jesus's birth, including facts such as - the location of Bethlehem, the names of Mary and Joseph, fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod, and the angels who appeared to shepherds - yet they do not offer a specific date for this momentous event. 

As a result, the question of when exactly Jesus was born has given rise to a multitude of theories and hypotheses throughout the centuries. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of dating Jesus's birth and explore the various historical, astronomical, and theological perspectives that have emerged in an attempt to pinpoint the elusive date of the nativity. The biblical account does not give the year Jesus was born (Luke 2). So how was the date of Christmas decided, and when was Jesus really born?

When Was Jesus Born?

The Bible gives no specific date of Jesus' birth. However, the date can be estimated based on when Hebrew shepherds historically tended their flocks in open fields and according to the biblical account of Mary and Elizabeth's pregnancies.

The Bible says in Luke 2:8-9. “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.”

According to Bible commentator Adam Clarke, it was traditional for the Jews to send their sheep to pasture from the spring until early October. As the cold winter months began, the flocks would return from the fields for protection and warmth. Since the shepherds were still tending their flocks in the fields around Bethlehem it can be deduced that the angels announced the news of Jesus’ birth no later than October.

To determine the approximate month of Jesus' birth, we can look at the birth of John the Baptist as described in Luke 1. Zacharias, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth, who was barren, became pregnant with John the Baptist after Zacharias' temple service. Gabriel visited Mary when Elizabeth was six months pregnant and announced that she would give birth to Jesus. By counting from the date of Zacharias' priestly service to the birth of Jesus, we can find additional clues to answer the question of when Jesus was really born.

In those times, Jewish priests were divided into 24 courses that served in the temple throughout the year. The order of Abijah was the eighth priestly course (1 Chronicles 24:6-19) which served in the temple during the 10th week of the priestly cycle. The 10th week started on the second Sabbath in the month of Sivan, which falls approximately from mid-May to mid-June. After Zechariah returned from his priestly duties, Elizabeth became pregnant with John the Baptist.

Luke 1:24-28, 31 chronicles these events, “Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.’ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’...And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”

Based on the Bible text and knowledge of the priestly courses, we can estimate that Jesus was born around the time of Tishri, which falls in mid to late September. This approximation is reached by starting at the conception of John the Baptist, which occurred in Sivan (June). Then, we count forward six months to arrive at Gabriel's announcement of the conception of Jesus, which happened in Kislev (December). Finally, we count forward nine more months, which is the average time it takes for human gestation, to reach Tishri (September) when Jesus was born.

What Year Was Jesus Born?

While many scholars believe Jesus was born sometime between 4 BC and 6 BC, there is no definitive historical evidence that pinpoints the exact year of his birth. The commonly used Christian calendar, which designates Jesus' birth as the starting point, traditionally places it at 1 BC or 1 AD, although these dates are approximate and may not align precisely with historical records.

Confusion in Historical Calendars

Several factors are involved in establishing the year of Christ’s birth. There were two dating systems at the time of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. One was his new Julian calendar, and the other calendar began with the year Rome was established: 753 BC. To complicate matters, Julius Caesar also determined that a year would be calculated beginning with the start of complete authority by the reigning emperor at that time.

About 500 years later, a mathematically-minded monk, Dionysius Exiguus, invented the concept of AD. His purpose was to establish when Easter should be celebrated by working backward using a complicated system of his own. He decided that Christ was born in AD 1, and his system was adopted in Europe around 200 years later.

Date Evidence in the Bible

Bible scholars work from what Scripture tells us regarding the history of Jesus. The events took place within the living memory of the writers or their families, such as the reign of Herod, during which time Matthew tells us Christ was born.

We know there was a celestial event that alerted the Magi, and this can also be dated. John the Baptist’s preaching took place during “the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius” (Luke 3:1). Jesus’ approximate age at the start of His ministry (30) is also supplied in the book of Luke, so we can determine that Christ was likely born around 2 or 3 BC.

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness." (Luke 3:1-2)

What Month Was Jesus Born?

One hypothesis suggests that Jesus may have been born in the month of December. This idea is largely based on the mention of shepherds in the Gospel of Luke who were tending their flocks at night when the angelic announcement of Jesus's birth occurred. Some argue that this activity would have been more likely in a warmer month, implying that Jesus might have been born in a mild Mediterranean climate during the winter. Additionally, the early Christian church established December 25th as the date to celebrate Jesus's birth, possibly to coincide with existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman celebration of Sol Invictus. This choice could have influenced the association of Jesus's birth with December.

However, it's essential to note that this evidence is circumstantial and inconclusive. Other scholars argue for alternative months or even different years for Jesus's birth based on historical and astronomical data. The uncertainty surrounding the precise month of Jesus's birth underscores the challenge of dating an event that occurred over two thousand years ago and the various factors that have influenced the development of Christmas traditions over time. Ultimately, while December 25th remains the widely accepted date for celebrating Jesus's birth, the exact month of his birth remains a mystery.

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

The day and month of Jesus’s birth are even more challenging to establish. Theologians typically agree that December 25 is far from likely. In the late Roman Empire, there was a festival called "Sol Invictus" (the Unconquered Sun) that celebrated the sun god on December 25th. Some have suggested that the choice of this date for Christmas was influenced by the desire to Christianize or replace this pagan holiday - conceived as an effort to establish a pagan substitute for a date that already held a degree of importance for Roman Christians. 

Another argument takes a different view. December 25th falls close to the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In many pagan traditions, the winter solstice was a significant event associated with the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. Some festivals, like the Roman festival of Saturnalia, were celebrated around this time, often involving feasting and gift-giving. Saturnalia, in particular, is often cited as a possible influence on the dating of Christmas. Saturnalia was a Roman festival that celebrated the god Saturn and included various festivities, including gift exchanges and feasting. Some argue that the early Christians chose December 25th to celebrate Jesus' birth to co-opt or replace Saturnalia with a Christian holiday. 

When Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, it was easier for the newly formed church to repurpose the pagan observance of the winter solstice between December 17-25 since citizens were already prepared to celebrate the day. Thus, a celebration and festival filled with family and friends exchanging gifts meant these traditions would continue as Christmas.

Another intriguing theory proposes that December 25 was officially designated as Christmas Day by Sextus Julius Africanus in AD 221. This assertion is rooted in meticulous calculations that Africanus undertook, embarking on a historical journey that began with his estimation of the world's creation in 5499 BC. With an unwavering dedication to precision, Africanus meticulously traced the lineage of biblical figures and significant events, meticulously aligning them with historical and astronomical data. His goal was to pinpoint the most appropriate date for commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a task that required an intricate web of chronology and celestial observations. Africanus's determination to find this date led him to December 25, marking it as the momentous day when Christians should celebrate the birth of their savior. His extensive calculations and scholarly dedication have left an enduring legacy, contributing to the rich tapestry of theories surrounding the birth date of Jesus Christ.

Dating of Jesus' Birth Based on King Herod

Dating the birth of Jesus around the death of King Herod is a historical puzzle that involves a combination of biblical and extra-biblical sources, along with some scholarly interpretations. Here's how it's typically done:

1.    Biblical Accounts: The primary source for dating Jesus's birth in relation to King Herod comes from the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 2:1, it mentions that Jesus was born during the time of King Herod. It also describes Herod's attempt to have Jesus killed by ordering the massacre of infants in Bethlehem, commonly known as the "Massacre of the Innocents."

2.    Herod's Reign: King Herod the Great is a well-documented historical figure. His reign is generally believed to have started around 37 or 36 BC. Historical records also indicate that he died around 4 BC, which is a crucial reference point.

3.    Astronomical Data: Some scholars have suggested that the "Star of Bethlehem," which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus, might have been a celestial event. Astronomical calculations and computer simulations have been used to try to identify potential astronomical occurrences around the time of Jesus's birth. Some theories suggest conjunctions of planets or other celestial phenomena around 6-4 BC.

4.    Luke's Gospel: While the Gospel of Luke doesn't mention King Herod, it provides additional clues for dating Jesus's birth. Luke 2:2 mentions a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Historically, such censuses were conducted periodically, and there is evidence of one occurring in 6-4 BC.

5.    Scholarly Consensus: Taking into account all the available evidence, many scholars place Jesus's birth between 6 and 4 BC, with the death of King Herod serving as a significant anchor point. This allows for the events described in the biblical narratives to align with the historical context of Herod's reign and the Roman census.

This is for you to ponder and not to confuse or cause doubt. JESUS is the promised Messiah and by asking JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart results in a miracle. You are born-again in your human spirit by the Holy Spirit, and you are born into the eternal family of GOD!

Welcome Home, my brother, or sister!

Blessings!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Bible Study - Clay Jars - 2 Corinthians 4:7 - December 14, 2025

 

Bible Study – Clay Jars – 2 Corinthians 4:7 – December 14, 2025

2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Clay Jars

Now, we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

Have you ever considered yourself as a clay jar?”

The Apostle Paul did, as we read in 2 Corinthians 4:7.

What is the treasure in these clay jars? THE TREASURE is beyond human imagination and that treasure can only come from The ONE TRUE GOD, YHWH, as the result of placing our faith in GOD’S only SON, JESUS and HIS passion.

That treasure is the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Let’s consider what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:3-14 - God’s Rich Blessings

³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

When did GOD choose us to be adopted into HIS eternal family?

“Before the foundation of the world!”

The question is, “Do we choose HIM through faith in HIS only SON, JESUS?”

GOD chooses all humans to BE IN right relationship with HIM, but GOD gives all humans the freedom of choice.

The question is “How do you choose?”

GOD breathed into the nostrils of the first human, the breath of life and finished completing earth for HUMANS to sustain human life upon earth.

GOD focused not only upon earth life, which is finite but also eternal life, which is infinite, like The Trinity (GOD, THE FATHER, THE SON, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT).

GOD PROMPTS HUMANS TO LOOK AROUND. WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? Your parents or via insemination. You were given human life. So, what is next? Death? That does not seem fair.

GOD created the heavens, earth, and all that is in it, including humans.

What next? Life has a limit and the next step is death, but GOD offers eternal life, through faith in HIS only SON, JESUS.

THE CHOICE TO ALL HUMANS.

First GOD gave the Law and then at the right time, HE sent HIS only SON, JESUS, who did not sin but lived a sinless life and HE gave HIS sinless life upon the cross to pay, in full, for all sin.

Did JESUS accomplish HIS mission? YES!!!

How do we know that HE did?

GOD, HIS FATHER, raised HIM from being dead on the third day to eternal life. JESUS revealed HIMSELF for 40 days to prove to those alive then that GOD resurrected HIM from the dead.

This is a foreshadow of the eternal assurance for all who place their faith in JESUS as their SAVIOR.

THE QUESTION is, “Is there life after death for humans?”

JESUS replied to such a question as recorded before HS Passion as recorded in John 3:1-21:

Jesus and Nicodemus

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

⁴ “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. ⁸ The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

¹⁰ “Are you a teacher^[b] of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. ¹¹ “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. ¹² If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven —the Son of Man.^[c]

¹⁴ “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may^[d] have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

We are to come to JESUS, WHO is the LIGHT.

Doing so takes a step of faith, and all humans have an enemy – Satan, who desires to confuse and capture humans, is active in our world. Satan will become more active as we get closer to the second coming of JESUS.

Based upon world events do you think things are waxing worse?

But as Spirit born Christians keep in your minds as recorded in

1 John 4

The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every

spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world. ...

In Ephesians 1:7-14:

⁷ In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the right time^[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

¹¹ In him (JESUS) we have also received an inheritance,^[f] because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

¹³ In him (JESUS) you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul studied under the Jewish teacher, Gamaliel before he encountered JESUS on the road to Damaskus to arrest and kill, if necessary, these new followers of JESUS called “THE WAY.”

Acts 22:3: He (Paul) continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of our ancestral law. I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.

Did the Apostle Paul get the idea of “Clay Jars” form Genesis 2:7?

Let’s read in Genesis 2:7:

Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man (Adam) became a living being.

What did GOD use to make the first human? “Dust from the ground.”

So, we have the ingredients for clay jars that makes all of us humans “dust from the ground.” When we ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and for JESUS to come into our hearts that is the power that can change the human from a clay jar to a Born-again eternal Child of GOD.

GOD breathed the “breath of life” into his nostrils! WOW!!!

I have heard of some obstetricians saying that the first breath of a newborn baby is a special, powerful, exhilarating moment.

When we, who are “born again” Spiritually and breathe our last breath, we will be face to face with JESUS and in the presence of GOD! YES!!!

If you care to read about an encounters I had with a lady leaving earth and walking with JESUS before the doctor pronounced her body dead, while I was driving on I 85. Look up actsclass.blogspot.com and in the upper left corner of the blog there is a blank. Type in the name Mrs. Green.

Another special moment is written in my blog - Friday, December 04, 2020

Bible Study - Emotions (1) - Walking in Grief - Psalm 116:1-9. 15-17 - December 6, 2020

Or when you access my blog – actsclass.blogspot.com – in the left blank typed in the words I hate death.

Back to our study ----

Earth was rich with building rich and special material suitable for GOD to use to create what was needed to make, create and sustain all forms of life upon earth. Forming Man/Adam was GOD’S joy.

But hold on ladies, let’s stick with Adam and the other inhabitants of earth for the moment ----

GOD took a part of Adam and made a masterpiece----

Adam -is Singler, thus is the first male human. Then what? GOD made livestock, wild animals, birds – Adam named them all.

Do you think GOD was keeping Adam busy? I think so, however when GOD had completed HIS work to make all the animals, Adam had a need that the animal world did not provide.

In Genesis 2 ²⁰ The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man^[k] no helper was found corresponding to him. ²¹ So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. ²² Then the Lord God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. ²³ And the man said: WOW!!!

-- then GOD took a body part from Adam’s side, not his head or his feet but his side. GOD had made man complete, but GOD chose to make Adam a helpmate. GOD did not use another batch of dust! NO!

GOD took a body part or a section from Adam’s side, a rib and used it to make Adam a helpmate – Woman.

How did Adam react when he laid eyes on GOD’S handiwork?

In essence, “It was WOW!!! This is what I have been wanting. HIS excitement was like a number of men who have expressed when their bride begins her walk down the aisle.

Most men need companionship and Eve was just what Adam needed to be complete. Ladies, we need you to make us complete, as humans but we both need YOU, through faith in JESUS to make us complete as YOUR CHILDREN, through the miracle of Spiritual Birth.

Adam said, This one, at last, is bone of my bone
and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called “woman,”
for she was taken from man.

Notice GOD did not use more dust to make Eve but a body part from Adam. We cannot say “GOD used something else to make woman.” Woman is a special part of man with the intention of unity.

We now have two humans: One male and one female, the origin of the human race designed, by GOD, for the male and female to be made complete in marriage. The two are ONE!!!

²⁴ This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. ²⁵ Both the man and his wife were naked yet felt no shame.

When I first read about GOD taking Adam’s rib, I asked the obvious question, “Does man have one less rib than woman? The answer was and is “NO,” but it does raise the question, “What body part did GOD use to form woman?” It was a rib. It was from the side of Adam.

What can we learn from that fact?

GOD intended for woman to complete man and to be man’s help mate. The body part taken from the first man, Adam, was taken from Adam’s side. This gives us a clue regarding GOD’S intent for taking a body part from man to make woman. Woman is to come along by the side of man – not his head, neck, or foot. Woman is to help complete man, and both are to be used for GOD’S purposes.

The two are to act together as one.

GOD did not make Adam and Eve robots, but HE gave them freewill to choose. The question is, “How do you choose?”

What choice do we have? Heaven, through faith in GOD’S only SON, JESUS and HIS Passion or follow other paths such as following the Evil One, Satan/the devil. Satan entices us to follow our flesh desires.

Keep in mind that GOD made humans to be free thinkers. Think wisely. I pray for all who read this. It does take a step of faith.

I pray for all who read this to choose wisely and place your faith in JESUS.

Sorry, I took a side trip.

GOD used dust to form man. GOD’S plan was that man and woman would be made from identical dust. The same dust was used to form man also became woman.

GOD had already breathed the breath of life into man. It was GOD’S breath that brought or breathed life into man. Adam became the first living and breathing human. Eve was the second human person GOD formed. Man was elated that GOD made Eve.

I have been blessed with a God fearing and loving wife for 66 years and four wonderful GOD loving children, 10 grands, 8 great grands.

Now, onto the rest of our study ----

In essence, all humans are Jars of Clay and need the breath of GOD for them to go from Jars to Spirit Born persons for GOD.

The Apostle Paul’s life reveals what a life committed to serving JESUS looks like serving GOD as a born-again believer.

It is the presence of the Holy Spirit, through the miracle of Spiritual birth makes a JESUS follower a ‘Born-again” person, which results in “Eternal life.”

How does a “Spirit born” person know that he or she has been “born again” Spiritually and is an eternal child of GOD?

John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. This takes place the instant a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for all of their sins and for JESUS to forgive him/her of his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his/her heart.

That is salvation and changes a person’s eternal destination from Hell to Heaven. Their citizenship is in Heaven, and they are Ambassadors for GOD.

At physical death, the “born-again” or “Sprit-born” person will never experience the death of his/her physical body but will be in the presence of GOD and JESUS moments before the physical body dies.

Now, that is good news and available to all who pray to receive JESUS as their Savior. It is not complicated ----

Dear JESUS, I have done things in my life that did not measure up to YOUR teachings and have disappointed GOD. I ask YOU to forgive me for all of my sins and for YOU to come into my life. FATHER, I want to be YOUR SON or DAUGHTER and live eternally in Heaven with YOU and JESUS. I ask YOU to fill my heart with YOUR presence and teach me the wonders of being Born again in my Spirit and learning from the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Welcome Home. I pray for each person who prayed this prayer or something similar. It is not saying the right words. It is all about a person’s heart.

If you are not already in a Bible believing and teaching fellowship or church, then pray and ask JESUS to lead you to a fellowship or church that teaches HIS WORD.

YES!!! It is done!!!

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - JESUS' Family - Brothers and Sisters? - Various - December 7, 2025

Bible Study – JESUS’ Family – Brothers and Sisters? – December 7, 2025

Keep in mind JESUS was and is the first born of the Virgin Mary.

I know this study may give some who read this Spiritual heartburn but let’s explore.

We know JESUS had brothers. In last week’s study we saw that HIS brothers poked fun at HIM, as expressed in John 7: The Unbelief of Jesus’s Brothers

7 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. ² The Jewish Festival of Shelters^[a] was near. ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ (For not even his brothers believed in him.)

⁶ Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. ⁸ Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival,^[b] because my time has not yet fully come.” ⁹ After he had said these things, he stayed in Galilee.

JESUS being the Promised Messiah only did what GOD, HIS FATHER instructed or showed HIM to do. Timing was vital and important in the life of JESUS to fulfill GOD’S redemptive plan, which HE did.

But we do see sibling rivalry raise its head in JESUS earthly family, which would seem to be normal, as well as challenging. Keep in mind that JESUS was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted and sibling rivalry is certainly, often, a challenge.

As we unpack this study there are some of certain religious backgrounds who will not embrace the facts that JESUS had siblings i.e. brothers and sisters.

Salvation is not complicated. It is by faith in the atoning sinless life of JESUS and HIS willingness to give HIS sinless life to pay the penalty for all sin, in full, which GOD, JESUS’ FATHER requires.

JESUS paid the sin debt, in full, which opened the redemptive path to GOD and by faith each person who places his/her faith in JESUS is “born-again” Spiritually and becomes a SON or DAUGHTER/CHILD of GOD.

The “born-again” person becomes an eternal Child of GOD and an eternal citizen of Heaven.

Now, onto a question and some Biblical information that some reading this may have an issue or discover truth.                              

Some church denominations are staunch in their belief that JESUS did not have physical brothers or sisters. They consider that The Virgin Mary did not have other children, especially daughters. I am not asking you to accept or deny but consider the scripture. Salvation is not dependent upon a person believing whether or not JESUS had siblings. JESUS was and is the first born of the Virgin Mary and was and is GOD’S promised Messiah. The Passion of JESUS seals IT for those who place their faith in JESUS by asking JESUS to forgive him or her for all his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his/her heart, The Holy Spirit confirms it. Let’s explore!!!

It is hard to deny that JESUS had half-brothers, since they were prominent in carrying on the work that JESUS began, but half-sisters may be more difficult for some to consider because of the role of females in the times of JESUS and even too many today.

Did JESUS have half-sisters?

I know that certain church denominations absolutely reject the idea that JESUS had siblings, which is okay. Just consider scripture and know that a person’s salvation is not dependent upon embracing whether or not JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters.

We do know based on John 3:16:

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

Focus upon the fact, if you have asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart, HE does. Doing so results in you being “born again” Spiritually. This second birth is eternal and the person of faith in JESUS becomes an eternal member of GOD’S Family and a citizen of Heaven.

The Holy Spirit confirms our Spiritual Birth into GOD’S Family by the gift of the Holy Spirit along with one or more Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

So, let’s dip our toes into the water of JESUS having siblings:

Mark 6:1 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So, they were offended by him.

Matthew 13: ⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left there. ⁵⁴ He went to his hometown and began to teach them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? ⁵⁵ Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph,^[n] Simon, and Judas? ⁵⁶ And his sisters, aren’t they all with us? So where does he get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they were offended by him.

Mark 3:31 Christian Standard Bible True Relationships

³¹ His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him.

Mark 6:1 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So, they were offended by him.

Luke 8: ¹⁹ Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they could not meet with him because of the crowd. ²⁰ He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

John 2:12: ¹² After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.

John 7: ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing.

Acts 1:14 They all were continually united in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

1 Corinthians 9:⁵ Don’t we have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife^[a] like the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?

Galatians 1: ¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,^[e] and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

These are the references in scripture.

We do know that the Apostle Paul (Saul before his conversion to being a follower of JESUS) had a special encounter with JESUS as he was going to Damascus to arrest those who were early followers of JESUS, called The Way. Saul/Paul was a Pharisee and had studied under the Jewish teacher Gamaliel.

I know certain church denominations consider Mary as not having any other children than JESUS. She was a virgin when JESUS was conceived by and when THE HOLY SPIRIT came upon her and that fact is fully established by GOD, the angel Gabriel, HIS birth and the wisemen that followed the Star.

The Angel Gabriel is one of only two angels specifically named in the Bible. The other angel is Michael.

Gabriel’s name in Hebrew means “GOD is my strength” or Mighty one of GOD and he spoke directly to the virgin Mary.

The conception of JESUS is a beautiful example of eternal conception when, we, as humans, are “born again” Spiritually. The Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit, which let’s consider the spiritual egg. Thus, the term for humans, is to be “born again” Spiritually into the eternal Family of GOD never to be Spiritually unborn.

Scripture supports the concept of the Holy Spirit being the “Divine Sperm.”  Once, a person is “born-again” Spiritually, that person is eternally GOD’S Son or Daughter and their citizenship is in Heaven.

There is a but ------

A Spirit born person’s failure to obediently serve the LORD JESUS, compromises his/her Heavenly rewards as expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15: ¹⁰ By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. ¹⁴ If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

A Spirit-born Christian may go through life doing his or her own thing after his/her Spiritual birth but is the person being led by the Holy Spirit? Ouch, this applies to all of us who have been born-again.

This is why all Spirit born people need to study GOD’S Word, pray, and allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead, teach, strengthen, and guide.

1 John 3:9 (Amplified)

No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him or her [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him (or her)]; and he (or she) cannot practice sinning because he (or she) is born (begotten) of God.

Salvation is not dependent upon a person believing whether or not JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters. Salvation is available to all who place his/her faith in JESUS and HIS physical birth, HIS physical sinless life, teaching, and passion which satisfied the sin debt that all humans owe.

The shedding of the sinless blood of JESUS upon the cross atoned for the sin debt. When the sin barrier was removed by the shedding of the blood of JESUS, HIS death, resurrection on the third day, the path to salvation, through faith in JESUS, was opened to all who will place their faith in JESUS. However, a person must acknowledge and claim his/her salvation through faith in JESUS.

How about babies and those who have not reached “the age of accountability” for various reasons? GOD covers them under HIS Grace.

Matthew 18 - Who Is the Greatest?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him (it was a boy) stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children (all inclusive – male and female), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ...

Dear JESUS help us all to be like little children, eagerly seeking to know YOU, obediently serving YOU and learning from YOU and THE FATHER. Not just to know about YOU but to KNOW YOU as YOU walk with us on our journey through life upon earth. Graft us into the true vine of JESUS so YOUR nourishment and life blood will flow through us to minister to others as YOU give us opportunity. May YOU keep a close watch on us that we are not led astray by false notions or doctrines, as we approach the second coming of JESUS.

We know that as we get ever closer to YOUR return, as recorded in Matthew 24:24

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

It is vital that we who know JESUS to also know the truth of GOD’S Word.

Whether or not you believe that JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters is not the issue. What is vital is, “do you know JESUS as your Savior and LORD?” If not, now is your opportunity:

Ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart and make you complete through the miracle of you being born again Spiritually into GOD’S eternal Family through faith in JESUS.

It is not saying the right words. It is all about the attitude of your heart.

If you prayed such a prayer or similar, then welcome into GOD’S eternal family. You have been born-again, and you are GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter. You have the Holy Spirit residing in you. The Holy Spirit will confirm your salvation with at least one or more Spiritual Gift(s) and will open your Spiritual eyes to all truth. You have full and complete access to JESUS and GOD 24/7. The Holy Spirit is your teacher and revealer of truth.

If you are not already in a Bible believing and teaching church or fellowship, then pray and ask JESUS to lead you to where you can be fed, serve and grow Spiritually.

Rejoice and tell a fellow believer that you have asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and asked JESUS to come into your heart.

I rejoice with you and pray for you!!! Welcome HOME!!!

Blessings!!!

Addendum: The Apostle Paul’s testimony in James 1 ¹³ For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. ¹⁵ But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.^[d] 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.

¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,^[e Peter^] and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

²¹ Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²² I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. ²³ They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.^[f]

Blessings!!!