Luke 8:19-21, NIV
“Now Jesus`s mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God`s word and put it into practice.””
It is very clear from all the different gospel accounts that Jesus loved his mother very much. In this little exchange between Jesus and some of the people who were with him, Jesus is not in any way ignoring the reality of his mother`s presence, but using the situation to highlight something very important for all his disciples – and especially, I believe, for all those who would follow him down the centuries, including you and me.
The mother and brothers of Jesus were in close family relationship with him and by saying that all those who hear God`s word and put it into practice are like his mother and brothers, he was saying that those who are close enough to him to hear his voice, understand his heart, follow his instructions, and obey his words, are like family to him. Being in a family carries with it tremendous blessings and also responsibilities. All the members of a family look out for each other and share in their corporate life. You cannot separate the blood ties that exist between close members of a nuclear family.
It is tremendously encouraging to realise that Jesus looked on all those who would follow him as disciples as close members of his family – tied together with him in an eternal destiny that would transcend time and reach its fulfilment in eternity. Believers can, therefore, rejoice in all that Jesus leads them into, knowing that He is caring for us, and looking out for us like an elder brother might do for a younger sibling.
What joy there is when people follow the leading of the Lord in their lives and then subsequently experience the blessing that has come to them, and probably others, as a result of their decision to follow Jesus in all the details of their daily living. This joy is something that springs up from within and is a fruit of the Holy Spirit`s presence within us, as we live with Jesus as members of his amazing family.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for considering each and every one of those who love and serve You as members of your close family. Help me, Lord, to always listen carefully to the things that You say in Your Word and to follow you throughout my life. In Jesus` name, Amen.
