Jesus Re-Defines Family! Matthew 12:46-50

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

We don't have a lot of passages which talk about Jesus' relationship with his family.  What can we learn from this one? 

46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 

The term "brothers" could mean near kin, such as cousins, half brothers and/or other children that Joseph and Mary had together.   

"We must not suppose that our Lord meant to put any slight on them, especially on his mother. He only took this opportunity of expressing his affection to his obedient disciples in a peculiarly endearing manner; which could not but be a great comfort to them." 

Some conclude that after his fiery speech to the Pharisees, they may have wanted him to protect him from the push back.  

"Considering the general context of opposition to Jesus, it may well be that the family of Jesus wanted to appeal to Him to not be so controversial in His ministry." Guzik

47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

Who they were was obviously known to those who communicated to Jesus their wanting to speak with him.  There is a good chance that Jesus was so focused on the ministry and teaching at hand that he did not realize they were wanting to speak with him. In Mark's version there is more than one person informing him of this, and it also includes that his family had sent them to let him know.  

Luke versision tells us that they were having a hard time getting close to him because of the crowds, so it is not like Jesus is intentionally avoiding them.  

48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 

"These questions are put, not as if he himself was ignorant who were his mother or his brethren; or as suggesting as if he had none; or as denying that these were in such a relation to him; or as casting any slight upon them; or as intending to teach men disrespect to parents and kindred, according to the flesh; but as displeased with the man, or men, for interrupting him in his work; and to let them know, that the business of his heavenly Father was preferred by him to any his natural relations could have with him; and that he might have an opportunity of pointing out who were his relations in a spiritual sense." (Gill)

More than anything I believe this passage is teaching ys about the importance of the new family he is going to inaugurate on this earth.  The family of all those who will put their faith in him and are born again.  As men and women believed in Jesus, as a result of the teaching of the apostles, they received the Holy Spirit. They became brothers and sisters in Christ.  

49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 

"By whom are meant, not only the twelve, but all others present, who truly believed in him, both men and women; and who might sit near him and together, and whom, by this motion of his hand, he pointed out as his spiritual relations, to the multitude that sat round him." (Gill)

50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

"We can see this as a gracious invitation – even to these religious leaders who deepened their hostility against Jesus and plotted against Him. They could still come and be part of His family." (Guzik)

In conclusion, I don't Jesus is disparaging his mother and family, but he is expanding the view of family to include our spiritual family. Our brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the great joys of being in a church, in a Christian community, is the close relationships we develop with each other.  There are many people I know who came from families where they didn't receive the love they deserved, and they found it in the church, the body of Christ.  

Though no church is perfect, the relationships within the church body should mirror the tender relationships Jesus had with his disciples.  This is why I am such a big proponent of small groups, where people share their lives and love for Jesus together.  The groups learn together, develop friendships together, serve together, care together and pray together.  It is not accident Jesus chose 12 disciples.  12 is a great size for a small group.  

Are you part of a church or faith community who have become your spiritual family? Are you able to share Christ within you your nuclear or extended family?  Who do you know who needs to experience the power and love of the body of Christ?  Consider inviting them to church, an event or your small group!