Family Relationships

 

Jesus was in the midst of a heated discussion with the religious scholars and Pharisees who were trying to set Jesus up to perform a miracle as proof of who He was.  As He was teaching, His brothers and mother showed up outside and were trying to get a message to Him (Matthew 12:46-50). 

First of all, it should be noted that the word “brothers” in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and other languages didn’t necessarily mean siblings.  The same word was used to refer to anyone within the same extended family, such as cousins.  Therefore, it’s clear that Jesus’ mother and some other male relatives were coming to see Him.  Mark’s gospel (Mark 3:21) says they were worried about His well-being and were trying to draw Him away from the intensity of the discussion.  Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels make no such claim.  Regardless of why they were there, Jesus used this interruption as a teachable moment to focus on what was profoundly important—the relationship between Himself and His followers.  He stretched His hands toward the disciples and identified them as His family because of their obedience and connection to Him.

The family relationship is important. We can see its importance to Jesus with His special connection to His brothers and mother all the way to the cross.  He understood that those family ties are the foundation upon which all other relationships are built.  Yet He took it another step, expanding the family relationship to all those who believe in Him and are considered His disciples.

As I reflect on the gifts of a family, I can think of several.  Family provides a sense of security and creates a sense of belonging.  Family gives a taste of unconditional love and creates a safe place to discover who we are.  Family provides a foundation of values and beliefs and helps us learn how to relate to others outside of the family.  Family gives us the opportunity to experience forgiveness and reconciliation.

The reality is that many human families are imperfect, and we only experience a glimpse of what our spiritual family can be.  When Jesus identified His disciples as His family because of their affiliation with Him, He has also extended that invitation to us—to become part of a spiritual family that extends and perfects what we know in our human relationships.  When we become disciples through our response to Jesus, we become a part of His family and experience all those gifts that a family is meant to provide.  It just can’t get much better than that!