The Christian's Identity: Brothers

Perhaps the most common way that Christians are identified in the New Testament is by the tag "brother" or "brothers."  It is so prevalent because it emphasizes the intimacy and bond that Christians have with their savior and with one another.

Jesus was the first to used the language.  In doing so he highlighted the kind of relationship he had with his disciples.  When told that his mother and brothers were outside waiting for him, he replied, "Who is my mother and my brother?"  Then he stretched out his hand, pointed to his disciples who were gathered around him, and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers."  (Matt 12:49)

Jesus acknowledge that anyone who attended upon his word with faith had a bond with him that went far beyond that of a mere teacher student relationship.  They were his family.  

Jesus certainly was not knocking his biological mother and brothers.  Being perfectly obedient to the fifth commandment would not permit such a thing.  However, in these words he did emphasize that he loved his disciples with a greater affection than those who shared his own blood ties.  His point was that there was a union between them that superseded biology. 

The familial language points ultimately to our adoption as the sons of God.  When the Son of God calls us his brothers he acknowledges that we have a unique place before God.  He indicates that the enmity between the two has been removed and that we have become partakers of the household of God.  Thus we are enabled to come boldly into the presence of God, calling Abba Father, allotted all the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have had his name put upon us, and are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him, as by a Father.

We may even see in this nomenclature our eternal security as believers  For the language of brother reminds us that God will never cast off those who he has made heirs of his salvation.

Yet the richness of the term brother is not yet exhausted.  All this is packed into the single usage of Christ. The main usage of the term in the New Testament has to do with the fellowship that believers share and the bond they have.  For instance, the Apostles often use this word when addressing those to whom they were writing.  This expresses the fact that the apostles, though having authority over them due to their God appointed office, they had a great deal of commonality with them in their spiritual life before God.   

As well, John says that we know we have pass from death into life "if we love the brothers."  When used this way it indicates the unity and close ties that Christians have with one another.  

In the early church this intimate fellowship must have been displayed quite vividly.  One of the accusations the Roman Empire made against the Christians was that they were guilty of incest.  The Roman world could not understand how someone could marry "their brother."

In sum, the term brother should remind us how we ought to view and treat our fellow Christians.  Despite one's particular denominational affiliation or view on tertiary doctrine, they ought to be given our utmost respect and sacrificial love.  They deserve our most affectionate communion, gifts, and respect.  To be sure, brotherly rivalries and squabbles will inevitably arise.  However, these ought to be considered petty sibling rivalries that are easily overcome and forgiven.