I'm continuing to read through the Bible chronologically and taking pause in Matthew 12:46-50, when Jesus' family came, wanting to speak with him. Jesus responds:
While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”Sharing some thoughts with you.
At first glance, it appears that Jesus is intimating that 'biological family' is less compelling than 'church family,' and there are some who do put that spin on this passage. To his mother Mary (a believer), this comment could have been hurtful, but we must note here that Jesus' words were probably not directed at Mary and his brothers. The remark was made to the one who brought the message as they were waiting outside. I don't think Jesus was suggesting that one 'family' trumps another in earthly relationships.
I do think, however, that Jesus was taking the opportunity to point out that being a part of the family of God is what is of eternal significance. Recall that his brothers were not believers at that point. They had not yet come to saving faith in Jesus; they were not at the moment of this remark part of his spiritual, eternal family. There were those who would come to that after his resurrection. Perhaps the remark was intended for the messenger himself or those in the crowd. It is doubtful that all were Jesus' followers, which is why he gestured toward his disciples, ensuring that the hearers knew he was referring to those who had placed their faith in him.
Bottom line in my understanding of the passage:
Biological family relationships are significant, but they are not necessarily eternal. Jesus wants all to come to faith in him and be received into his spiritual, eternal family. He calls to faith his family, our family, his friends, our friends.
Biological family relationships are significant, but they are not necessarily eternal. Jesus wants all to come to faith in him and be received into his spiritual, eternal family. He calls to faith his family, our family, his friends, our friends.
Painting ~ 1820 Country Wedding, John Lewis Krimmel 1786-1821
