Jesus Designates His True Relatives

["Click here for Matthew's account"]
["Click here for Mark's account"]
["Click here for Luke's account"]

Read all three accounts and notice their similarity. In the last section, Jesus reprimanded the Jews, as a whole, for being evil, adulterous and unrepentant. He warned them of the judgement to come. Why even Nineveh, who repented under the preaching of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba, who saw God in the wisdom of Solomon, these would stand in judgement of the Jews even though the Jew had been blessed with the words of the Prophets and the presence of the Son of Man, but had not repented.

As He is still speaking to the people, word comes to Him that His Mother and Brothers are outside and would like to speak to Him. Little is known about His "half brothers". It is believed that Mary had four more sons and at least several daughters. The four sons were named James, Joseph, Simon and Judah (Matt. 13:55-56). It seems strange that they had not been with Him, listening to Him. But Matt. 13:57 says, "A Prophet is not without honor accept in his own country and his own house." Certainly His mother, Mary, should have known of His divine nature and would have been interested in His mission. She had been approached several times by an Angel of God explaining her Son's nature and mission. But the years has a way of dulling our experiences regardless of how inspiring they were. That is why we must continually be about our Father's business, continually renewing our faith, spiritually refilling ourselves.

Not only were they not listening to His words but they were disturbing those who were, and it appears that Jesus resented this interruption. For all to hear, He says to the one who brought Him the message, "Who is my mother and brothers?" Relatives, even mother and father, must take second place to Christ (Luke 14:26) And we should not think less of our friends if they prefer the working out of God's plan for their lives, to the pleasure of our company.

Notice to whom Jesus gives preference, His Disciples and those who do the will of the Father, those who hear it, recognize it, know it and desire to do it. His Disciples had left all to follow Him and each day became nearer and dearer to Him. Even to this day, those who meet the requirements can claim a close relationship to Jesus. If we confess Him before men, He will confess us before the Father which is in Heaven.

So these, His Disciples, His followers of all generations, are the true relatives of Jesus Christ.


Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter