While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak with him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”And stretching out his hand toward 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.” – Matthew 12:46-50
I remember it as clear as if it happened today: I was sitting alone on a bus as far away as I could from my dad, mom, and three siblings. I wanted nothing to do with them. In the moment, I was mad at them, embarrassed by them, and had just made it as clear as I dared to them. It was a petulant, early-teen hissy fit. If I could have, I would have left my family in that instant (and looking back on it, they probably wanted to accept my resignation!).
Thankfully, that is not possible. The simple fact is family is for life. Which makes Jesus’ statement in response to his mom and brothers interrupting his teaching ministry asking to talk with him surprising. “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Was Jesus disowning his family? Was he having a petulant moment like mine? What is Jesus’ teaching about family?
As we continue our ‘Essentials of the Way’ sermon series, we turn our attention to Jesus and the apostles’ teaching about family. Jesus has placed each of us in a family, entrusting us with this precious and essential institution he created in the beginning. It’s time to grow stronger in the “Essentials of the Family.”
Listen to the worship set to prepare your heart.
Can’t wait to be with you this Sunday!
Nate Newell
Pastor of Mission and Ministry Development |
