Jesus’ earthly mother Mary was related to Elizabeth of the tribe of Levi and in the priestly line of Aaron. This Elizabeth and her husband, priest Zechariah, were the God-fearing parents of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:36-40) According to tradition, Mary’s mother and Elizabeth’s mother were fleshly sisters of the tribe of Levi. That would mean that Mary and Elizabeth were first cousins and John the Baptist and Jesus were second cousins. The Bible, however, does not reveal just how Mary and Elizabeth were related.

[Chart on page 221]

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RELATIVES OF JESUS

TRIBE OF LEVI TRIBE OF JUDAH

Zechariah Elizabeth Zebedee Salome Mary Joseph

John the James John JESUS James Joseph Simon

Baptist Judas (Jude)

[sisters]

(Listed are only those for which there is at least some [though not always conclusive] Scriptural support.)