Matthew 12:46-50 TPT
Jesus’ True Family
46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking for him to come out and speak with them. 47 Then someone said, “Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to have a word with you.” 48 But Jesus just looked at him and said, “Let me introduce you to my true mother and brothers.” 49 Then gesturing to the disciples gathered around him, he said, “Look closely, for this is my true family. 50 When you obey my heavenly Father, that makes you a part of my true family.”
In our passage today, while Jesus is teaching to a crowd of people, he is given a message that his mother and brothers request his attention. Seems like a reasonable interruption since Jesus is presently preoccupied with a crowd of strangers. Jewish tradition is focused on honoring one’s mother and father. So, Jesus’ answer probably takes many of those listening by surprise. How a Jew loves and honors his or her parents reflects how that person loves and honors God.
The truth of God’s spiritual family can easily be misunderstood if we do not allow the Spirit to help us view things from an eternal perspective. We are called to love and honor God above all other people, bloodlines, relationships, or traditions; obedience to love Father God first and wholeheartedly. In our passage, Jesus’ comments reflect that obedience and truth. People may want to claim Jesus as their heir and brother, but he does not want anyone to get the wrong idea of what connects people to the Father’s true (eternal) family. If we truly want to be in Christ’s spiritual family, we will put God first and obey his commands.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making things clear about how I can rest assured of being a member of your family. Thank you for an eternal perspective. Help me to honor you and your commands better each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.