Some statistics* on firstborn children:

  • Firstborn children have slightly higher IQs (only about two points) than children in other birth order positions.
  • Men who are born earlier in their family are more emotionally stable than younger siblings.
  • Kids born in the first position are less likely to smoke cigarettes than their siblings.
  • Biology majors in college are more likely to be firstborn children.
  • Firstborns are more likely to become CEOs.
  • Medical students are more likely to be firstborns or only children.

Being the firstborn of 3, none of these statistics surprise me…..and all the firstborns said, “AMEN!” Jesus was the firstborn to Mary, did you know she had other children? (Mrk 6:3) James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (not Iscariot) were Jesus’ brothers. He had sisters, we are just uncertain as to how many. James, the oldest of Jesus siblings would write:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17

I can’t help but wonder whether James observed his brother Jesus continually thanking God for literally EVERYTHING good in day to day life? The warmth of the sun, the cool of the night, a moment of laughter, the taste of a good meal, and the joy from another’s smile. The millions of daily blessings from God, we take for granted, I bet Jesus stopped and took a moment to thank His Father above. I pray God would give us the eyes of Jesus seeing the goodness of God all around us today.

*https://family.lovetoknow.com/about-family-values/18-fun-facts-about-birth-order-personality