46 While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 [Someone said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.”] 48 But Jesus replied to the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” 49 And extending His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold: My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.”

Matthew 12:46-50 (NASB)

Busy day

From what I can tell, all this activity and teaching of chapter 12 happens in one day. This includes today’s incident with His family and extends to tomorrow,  most of chapter 13, where He teaches using many parables.

Jesus’ earthly family

Jesus’ mother and brothers come to Him. We’re not sure exactly where He was at that time. The only clue is in Matthew 11:1, “He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.” In Matthew 13:53, He returns to Nazarath, His home town. So His family made the effort to go to Jesus. His father, Joseph, is not mentioned. It is thought he has passed away by this time. As an aside, it should be noted that Jesus had siblings. Some denominations, primarily Catholics, believe Mary remained a virgin to give her a more elevated status. This is not a Biblical idea and actually quite dangerous as it can lead to worship of Mary.

Jesus’ spiritual family

Jesus does not deny His earthly family at all. In fact, He is careful to make sure Mary is cared for after His death (John 19:26-27). And James, His half-brother, becomes the author of the book of James and was a leader of the church. His point here is not to diss His own family, but to teach that His family is spiritual made up of all who will do “the will of My Father who is in heaven”.

What is the will of the Father? In general, that all would look to the Son for salvation. All who will confess and repent of their sins, believe in Jesus alone as their savior and restorer of relationship with the Father, and follow Him, taking up their cross daily (Luke 9:23 ).

RЯeflection

• This begs the question, “Are you doing the will of the Father?” If not, click here to learn more.
• Brother or sister in Christ, we should ask ourselves if our love for Christ is greater than our love for family, even our love for any other things. Consider this post about idols of the heart.