Defending a Biblical Title of Mary: Mother of James and Joses

Admittedly, Mary was a common name in Judea in the first century, due to the Biblical sister of Moses, referred to as "Miriam" in English Bibles.  However, we know from the Gospel according to Matthew that Jesus had brothers and sisters, and that among those were James, Joses, Simon, and Judas.  

Matthew 13:54-56 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this [man] all these things?

Mark's gospel says the same thing:

Mark 6:3 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? And they were offended at him.

Again, it's worth noting that each of these names occurred with high frequency in the first century.  Simon/Simeon, Joses/Joseph, James/Jacob and Judas/Jude/Juda/Judah are all names that are not unique to Jesus' family. 

But it's not only the testimony of Matthew's Gospel. Paul himself writes:

Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

The Synoptic Gospels refer to a Mary who is the Mother of James (and Joses):

Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

We have to be sure not to be dogmatic that this has to be the same Mary who was also Jesus' mother.  However, it would be strange if the synoptic gospels omitted any reference to Mary being at the crucifixion or resurrection.

John informs us that Mary was alongside Mary Magdelene at the cross:

John 19:25-27 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the [wife] of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].

Of course, as we said before, Mary was a very common name in that time, and there was at least one other Mary besides Jesus' mother and Mary Magdalene (namely Mary [wife] of Cleophas) at the cross.

Nevertheless, Mary was known to travel with Jesus' brethren:

John 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

The natural question, though, is why might Matthew, Mark, and Luke downplay Mary's relationship to Jesus in the accounts of his crucifixion?  In other words, if "Mother of James" is a Biblical title of Mary, then why is that used rather than "Mother of Jesus" (as in Acts 1) or "Mother of my Lord" (as in Luke 1:43)?

One possible reason is an intentional downplaying of the significance of Mary being Jesus' mother, which is reflected in a synoptic account found in all three synoptic gospels:

Matthew 12:46-50 While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mark 3:31-35 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Luke 8:19-21 Then came to him [his] mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him [by certain] which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Similarly, we see the same de-focusing in another pericope in Luke's gospel:

Luke 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

This explains why the synoptic evangelists might downplay Mary's biological relationship to Jesus in the passion and resurrection accounts, to avoid or minimize unnecessary and inappropriate honor being give to his mother.

To this we should add that the gospels not only record the names of Jesus' brethren and the fact that Jesus had sisters, but it also suggests that Jesus had an actual birth, and that Joseph and Mary had an actual marriage:

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Likewise in Luke's Gospel:

Luke 1:30-31, 35 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. ... And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

-TurretinFan