Jesus Speaks to a Crowd About His BrethrenBible World
8:21Luke 8:21
And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
When He was told that His mother and brothers stood outside wanting to speak with Him, He looked upon the men and women feasting on His words and stretched out His hands toward them to declare who they are. His mother and His brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it, which is doing the will of His Father in heaven, and His spiritual family consists of those who receive Him by faith. The chapter containing this declaration is important to read, especially the parable of the sower beginning in verse 4.
This spiritual connection supersedes lineal connection and is closer than natural kinship, so that believers become one with Christ as He is one with the Father. Mere family connection to Jesus brings no benefit unless it is joined with faith in Him and acceptance of Him as personal Saviour. Mary was more savingly related to Jesus as a believer and doer of His words than through her natural relationship as His mother. His brothers gained nothing from being related to Him unless they accepted Him as their personal Saviour.
Jesus spoke this precious, glorious truth to comfort all believers by showing how He regards them.
When He was told that His mother and brothers stood outside wanting to speak with Him, He looked upon the men and women feasting on His words and stretched out His hands toward them to declare who they are. His mother and His brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it, which is doing the will of His Father in heaven, and His spiritual family consists of those who receive Him by faith. The chapter containing this declaration is important to read, especially the parable of the sower beginning in verse 4.
This spiritual connection supersedes lineal connection and is closer than natural kinship, so that believers become one with Christ as He is one with the Father. Mere family connection to Jesus brings no benefit unless it is joined with faith in Him and acceptance of Him as personal Saviour. Mary was more savingly related to Jesus as a believer and doer of His words than through her natural relationship as His mother. His brothers gained nothing from being related to Him unless they accepted Him as their personal Saviour.
Jesus spoke this precious, glorious truth to comfort all believers by showing how He regards them.