My Family (Matt 12:46-50)
Who belongs to the family of Jesus Christ? How should brothers and sisters in the Lord treat each other? In this passage, Christ, having already established His authority and kingship earlier in the book of Matthew, provides His subjects some answers.
“Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?”
As Jesus was addressing the crowd, His biological mother (Mary) and brethren (half-brothers) were waiting to speak to Him (v46-47). However, He replied “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?”. Some might ask: Was the Lord rude, especially to His mother? This sentence has to be read in context. In John 19:25-27, as Jesus was being crucified on the cross, He still exhibited love and personally instructed His beloved disciple, John, to take care of Mary.
“Behold my mother and my brethren!”
Jesus then turned to His disciples, declaring that they are His family (v49). The criteria of being part of Jesus’s family is straightforward. It is not about biological ties, state of righteousness, or statuses; Instead, Jesus puts it simply: “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” It boils down to faith in Christ!
Being part of a large spiritual family is one of the reasons why believers, even from different countries and churches, are able to work together for our Lord. For instance, when the youth went to Cambodia for their mission trip over the last three years, they were able to quickly bond with the members of the local church despite language and cultural barriers.
Let’s be reminded of T.L.C - Treasure the Church, Love its people, only because of Christ!
While all believers far and wide should be precious to us, the Lord has designed that the local church (i.e. the community that we interact with regularly) be the main avenue for us to love and be loved.
As we remember that we are all rooted in a common love found in Christ, may we have much T.L.C!
A Common Love
A common love for each other A common gift to the Saviour A common bond holding us to the Lord A common strength when we are weary A common hope for tomorrow A common joy in the truth of God's word
In his family, we can meet each other's need We can light each one's path We can bear each one's grief As his children, we can comfort each other We can build each one's faith We can work, we can share
Believers, Christ gets the glory when we obey Him by seeking to treasure and love one another. However, given the sinfulness of man, there will be challenges. Hence, while it may be tough (it will be!), we can depend on and rest in God.
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit (Zechariah 4:6)
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