The Family of Christ

The Family of Christ

But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Luke 8:21

We hear much conversation today upon what constitutes ‘family.’ In the day in which Christ lived and ministered ‘family’ was a powerful influence. The society in which He lived was more relational than functional. That is to say that in Christ’s society heritage, lineage, and family relationships superseded a job, career, or community role. Hence we find the Scripture recording genealogies. Family had a tremendous influence on anyone in that society. Therefore in the context of our text for today, it was an important event when the mother and brothers of Christ came to where He was.  It was a significant event, particularly in the light of the fact that other passages indicate that His mother and brothers were concerned that He was ‘beside Himself.’ Christ makes a very broad statement in our text. He says, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’ Here Christ defines ‘family’ so far as He is concerned. This may be startling to us. Yet these are the very words of Christ. This cuts across bloodlines, and includes the most destitute of our lonely ones. While it does not remove the fifth commandment, it does demonstrate that it is our union with Christ and all that flows from it, which binds us together in a ‘family’ bond. Today let us dwell upon the implications of this for the purpose of upholding those who are our true ‘family.’

Our Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
we rejoice that You have made us members of Your extended Family.
We praise You, that the day is coming when You will gather us all together,
in that grand reunion, at the Throne of Grace.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning