The Lord's Relations
The sermon explores the identity and connection of the Lord's relations, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and James, the Lord's brother.
John Nelson Darby explores the relationships of key figures named Mary and James in the New Testament, emphasizing their connections to Jesus and each other. He identifies Mary, the mother of James, Jude, and Joses, as the same Mary who is often mentioned alongside Mary Magdalene, and discusses the implications of these familial ties. Darby argues that James, referred to as the Lord's brother, is indeed the apostle James the less, highlighting the significance of these relationships in understanding the early church. He concludes that the identity of these individuals is crucial for grasping the narrative of Christ's life and the establishment of the church.
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MARY
His mother and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas,
and Mary Magdalene; John 19:25.
Mary Magdalene, and Mary mother of James and Joses; Matthew 27:56.
Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary; Matthew 27:61, and chapter 28:1.
Mary Magdalene, and Mary (mother) of Joses; Mark 15:47.
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James; Mark 16:1.
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less, and Joses; Mark 15:40.
Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary (mother) of James; Luke 24:10.
JAMES
Jude brother of James; Jude 1.
James son of Alpheus; Matthew 10:3.
Judas (brother) of James; Luke 6:16.
James son of Alpheus; Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15.
James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon, Christ's brethren,
and His (Christ's) sisters; Mark 6:3.
James the Lord's brother; Gal. 1:19.
On comparing these statements, there cannot, I think, be any doubt that Mary the mother of Jude, James and Joses, and "The other Mary," constantly associated with Mary Magdalene, are the same, nor that Mary the wife of Cleopas is also. Jude is brother of James, and James is son of Alpheus, alleged to be the same as Cleopas, and James Jude) and Joses sons of Mary, I suppose wife of Cleopas. Thus the identity and connection of persons is evident. Mary called "The other Mary," the constant companion of Mary Magdalene, was wife of Cleopas and mother of James, Jude, Joses, and Simon, and these were immediate relations of Christ; whether by Cleopas or Mary does not appear. This does not affect the question as to Mary's having a family after the birth of Christ, nor her living with Joseph, of which I think Scripture leaves no doubt. But further, this would determine that James the Lord's brother is the apostle James the less, because James the Lord's brother is brother of Jude; Mark 6:3. And James the apostle is Jude's brother; Luke 6:16; and son of Alpheus. And, I think, from the place James holds in the Acts, and in the Galatians, it is the same James, and not another. For in Galatians it is "James the Lord's brother," and "Certain came from James"; and in Acts "Tell it to James," and James presides, in a sense, in Acts 15. The absence of all addition in the case of James is the natural proof of his being the well-known James.
376 It would have been quite incongruous to introduce the Lord's Name in an epistle, whereas "Jude (the brother) of James" was the distinctive name he had acquired in contrast with Iscariot; Luke 6:16.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction to the Lord's Relations
- Mary's Family
- James, the Apostle
- Conclusion
- The identity and connection of persons
- The Lord's relations and their significance
Key Quotes
“Thus the identity and connection of persons is evident.” — John Nelson Darby
“This does not affect the question as to Mary's having a family after the birth of Christ, nor her living with Joseph, of which I think Scripture leaves no doubt.” — John Nelson Darby
“For in Galatians it is 'James the Lord's brother,' and 'Certain came from James'; and in Acts 'Tell it to James,' and James presides, in a sense, in Acts 15.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- The Lord's relations are significant because they show the human side of Jesus Christ.
- Understanding the Lord's relations can help us better understand the Bible and its teachings.
- The Lord's relations are a reminder that Jesus Christ is a real person with real family and relationships.