READING: 2 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 25; Psalm 53; Matthew 12
The words were surely a bit painful to Jesus’ mother. She and Jesus’ brothers had been looking for Him, and they sought Him among the crowds. They surely wondered what He was thinking when He asked the question, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” (Matt 12:48). Then, His answer might have made them wonder as well: “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:49-50). In no way was Jesus somehow demeaning His family relationships, but I wonder what His family thought as they heard Him speak.
On one hand, Jesus surely was teaching His family that their being His blood relatives did not mean they were automatically in the kingdom of God. Unless they chose to follow God themselves, they would be just as lost as any other non-believer. On the other hand, Jesus was showing us the unique relationships we gain when we choose to follow God. Our spiritual bond with other believers is so great that we’re part of a family uniquely united under the shed blood of Christ. Thus, our relationship with God matters more than any other relationship. Following Him must be our priority.
Today, I’m especially mindful of Christ-followers whose decision to follow Him has cost them their relationship with their family. I grieve with them, but they made the right choice to obey Christ.
PRAYER: “God, I want to do the will of my Father. Help me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Amos 1-3, Matthew 13
