“Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ 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.’”
- Matthew 12:47-50 -

Today’s passage shows that Jesus’ ministry caused tensions with his family. In Mark’s version of this story his mother and brothers want to speak to him because they were concerned about his activities and were worried he was going mad! Many of us have also found our faith has not always made sense to our families, causing disagreements.

There is comfort in remembering that Jesus suffered in this way too. It encourages us that when people keep on challenging our faith, this is not necessarily because we have failed to explain the case for Christ well enough. ... As Christians will always face this kind of opposition, it’s important also to remember what Jesus says about believers being his brothers and sisters. Our churches are our family in Christ and offer the encouragement we all need in a world that is not always supportive of our faith. How important is church to us and what role can we play in making our Christian family a more supportive one?

Dear Lord, I need this timely reminder. Devotion to the kingdom of God comes before everything else in life, I must seek your kingdom! It’s my heart’s desire and I need your strength.

(from Encounter with God)