How could the brothers of Christ be older than Himself when His mother was a virgin? L. S. They were without doubt the children of Joseph by a former wife. That they seemed to have been older than Jesus is indicated first, by the knowledge which even the critics had of His brothers; and secondly, by the fact that they assumed to advise and direct Jesus. Take for instance in Mark 6:3. They say, "Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not His sisters here with us?" They seemed to have been longer acquainted with them than they were with Him. They say in effect, "He is the same as His older brothers and sisters are." And then in John 7:3 His brothers urged Him to go to Jerusalem. The very way in which they do it, would indicate that they were older and held His work in some contempt. Considering themselves older, they seemed to have the prerogative of advising Him. Altho Joseph was not the real father of Jesus, in law he was, and in law these children of His father would be counted His brothers.