Ancona Crucifixion, Titian, 1558
WHAT ABOUT JESUS' BROTHERS AND SISTERS, MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE?
Non-Catholics, who dispute Mary's perpetual virginity, often point to those Bible verses that refer to the "brothers" and "sisters" of the Lord (cf. Matt. 13:55, et al.). These brethren of the Lord, however, were close relatives of Jesus, not siblings. The Gospels confirm this, identifying them elsewhere as the children of Mary the wife of Clopas (cf. Matt. 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; 16:1; John 19:25). It was common in ancient Jewish culture to refer to extended relatives as "brothers" and "sisters." Lot, Abraham's nephew, for instance, is referred to in Scripture as his "brother" (cf. Gen. 11:27; 14:14, NIV, KJV). Finally, if Jesus did have siblings He would not have asked the Apostle John to care for Mary at the time of His death (cf. John 19:27).