Thoughts for the Day

The True Kindred of Jesus

While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you. ’But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I was lucky enough to be brought up in a family where Christian influences were strong, especially through a mother and two godparents who were members of strong Christian communities. Subsequently I married a lovely Welsh man who chose to be confirmed three years after our wedding and who joined me in worship each week. But I recognise that many of us don't have such an advantage, and are either not taught the scriptures, or worse are belittled and mocked if we choose to be a Christian. Constant criticism or ridicule can be a lonely pathway to walk.

So with these thoughts in mind what is Jesus saying when he seems to make a dismissive comment about the arrival of his mother and brothers? Does Jesus mean ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ to be as negative as it sounds? Well bearing in mind the way Jesus takes such care to safeguard his mother's future when he is hanging on cross (John 19.25-27), I don't think so. Add to this, we see from a number of accounts that his brother James was to become one of the leaders of the new Church in Jerusalem, so it seems unlikely.

An ideal family is one where each person cares for the other; where they encourage individual's strengths and support their weaknesses; where the voices of young and old are heard; and where loving forgiveness is offered when mistakes are made. For a Christian all of this should also be found in the Christian community, but with an added plus. When Jesus says that those who do God’s will are His family, He is emphasizing the importance of spiritual connections and links over biological ones. These verses challenge us to rethink our understanding of who are our family, and to see that our bond with God and with others who follow Him is what truly denotes our family. It invites us to consider the depth of our connection to a community of believers who share a common faith.

Lord Jesus Christ,
we ask Your blessing on Your Church,
that it may grow strong and faithful,
and that its differences may not cause division.
We also ask Your blessing upon our local church,
that it may to grow into a community of Christians
who can support one another,
carry out their mission faithfully,
and draw ever closer to You.
Amen.