And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” Mathew 12:49 NABRE
Jesus leads us to a new family, to our true family. While preaching, someone tells Jesus His mother and brothers are outside desiring to speak to Him. Jesus asks, who are my mother and brothers and answering His own question says those who do the will of My heavenly Father. Jesus desires all disciples be sisters and brothers, in fact Jesus desires we see Him as brother. Christians are meant to create a community that models family, nothing can break up a family and families are always available for one another. Those who obey Jesus have a special relationship with Him deeper than natural family bonds. Jesus wants more for those who follow Him than a blond bond, He desires a bond that is rooted in love. The communities that Jesus seeks be created in His name, should be places where love is the bond and all are supported. Today’s churches should be these places but somehow culture has kept the church community as fellowship not brotherhood. Until we are able to love each other, putting our Christian sister or brother first, we are not creating the kingdom of heaven Jesus came to reveal.
We see how this teaching is on Jesus mind even in death. In the gospel of John (19:25-27) we read Jesus connecting John the disciple with His mother from the cross. John is declared as son and Jesus mother becomes the mother of John. This is the type of family Jesus seeks. His mother stood at the foot of the cross and Jesus desires that she be mother in the community, mother to all, rather than His mother who carried Him into this world.
Who are your siblings? Do you seek familial bonds in Christian community?
Today's churches should be places family is created, but church community is fellowship not brotherhood. Until we are able to love each other, putting our Christian sibling first, we are not creating the kingdom of heaven Jesus came to reveal. Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #brother #mother #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways