These brothers of Jesus reasoned from the selfish motive so often found in the hearts of those ambitious for display. This spirit was the ruling spirit of the world. They were offended because, instead of seeking a temporal throne, Christ had declared Himself to be the bread of life. They were greatly disappointed when so many of His disciples forsook Him. They themselves turned from Him to escape the cross of acknowledging what His works revealed--that He was the Sent of God.

Disse Jesu brødre ræsonnerede ud fra det selviske motiv, der så ofte findes i deres hjerter, som higer efter at stille sig til skue. Denne ånd var den samme, som hersker i denne verden. De var krænkede, fordi Kristus i stedet for at søge timelig magt havde erklæret, at han var livets brød. De var dybt skuffede, fordi så mange af hans disciple svigtede ham. De vendte sig selv fra ham for at undgå den ubehagelighed at indrømme det, som hans gerninger åbenbarede: at han var den, som Gud havde udsendt.