Verse 5 tells us that Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in Him. Further, there is a mocking, taunting tone to their remarks to Jesus in verses 3 and 4. They challenge Jesus to do more at the festival. They belittle His ministry as “seeking public recognition.” But for at least some of His brothers, this refusal to believe was temporary. We know that two of Jesus’ brothers, James and Jude, did eventually believe and became leaders in the early church. Jesus knows everything we go through. He even knows our anguish about children and other family members who are not following Him. He knows what we are going through because He has been through it. And just because your loved ones don’t follow Christ now, doesn’t mean they won’t ever. As James and Jude came to faith, so might your children or siblings.
Most of us have people in our lives who don’t follow the Lord. You have probably spent significant time in prayer, asking the Lord to draw them to Him. But you also have brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through the same things in their earthly family. Some prayers are best when shared. Choose a prayer partner with whom you can share each other’s burden. They will pray for your loved ones and you will pray for theirs. Take this as an opportunity to build prayer and fellowship.
With whom can you form a prayer partnership to cover loved ones who need Jesus?