There are several quotes from Jesus in Scripture that come across as being harsh and this is one of them. What is Jesus saying here? Is He declaring that blood family has no importance in life? Based on everything we read in Scripture, we know this is not the case as Jesus followed the Law perfectly, which would include honoring your mother and father (re-read John 19:26-27). No, He is not denigrating earthly family, but exalting spiritual family!!!
Matthew 12.46-50
46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Based on what’s been going on in Chapter 12 and reading Mark 3:20-21, what do you think Jesus’ mother and brothers wanted to say to Him? Do you think He knew their intentions and that’s why He responded the way He did? Re-read Matthew 12:22-28.
+ What is the “will of my Father in heaven”? Is it different to disciples who live today than it was for those Jesus was addressing or any other era in history? Why or why not?
+ Imagine you are a director of a play and you have to “layout” this scene to be acted. What is the general mood and demeanor of the following “actors” as they experience this time together? a) Jesus, b) Mary and His brothers, c) the person who was asked to tell Jesus of His family’s arrival, d) the crowd listening to Jesus speak, which would include both disciples and the scribes and Pharisees.
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ I LOVE MY DH COMMUNITY GROUP!!! These are brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus who I am “doing life with” right now. We truly believe God has brought us together at this juncture of our lives for the purpose of caring and encouraging one another in our walk through life and with Christ. Biologically, I have 3 older brothers and two older sisters, but I am closer to those in my Community Group because of our current commonalities. Is there anything wrong with this? No!!! It’s a special gift from God Himself as He has chosen to adopt us and make us part of His very extended family; one that not only transcends geographical location but time as well. If you are not currently involved in a Community Group, I strongly encourage you to add some “closer than blood” brothers and sisters into your life!!!
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?