These verses speak for themselves, but often it is hard for us to get our minds around it. We think of “blood” relations as the strongest linkage. They are very important. We see how God structured His people in tribes based on the family structure. We see the importance of the nuclear family, one husband, one wife, and any children. However, we should also take note of what our Lord says about who are His mother and brothers.
Changed Relationships
46While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” 48But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 50“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
For us, brother and sister and mother (and father) are those who do the will of our Father in heaven, those who are submitted to Jesus. What is truly amazing is when our blood relations also share our faith and submission to Christ! Then we truly have the best of both.
Let us not turn away from blood relations, or take them lightly but rather remember they are important. However, let us seek out those who are serving our Lord and treat them more like family and less like acquaintances or strangers.
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