God as an Older Brother

Similar to our lesson on “God as obedient son,” this is not a metaphor, but a living reality because of the incarnation of Christ. Jesus became an older brother, not just to James, Jude, and others, but to all of his disciples. As our older brother, he acts as our kinsman redeemer, rescuing us and caring for us, assuming the role of the faithful firstborn. This not only changes the way we think about Jesus, but also about sibling relationships. Rather than acting like Cain and Able, or Jacob and Esau, we can demonstrate the faithfulness rather than rivalry. (Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-12)