MATTHEW 12:46-50

⁴⁶ While he was still speaking to the people, behold, ^khis mother and his 
brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 
⁴⁸ But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 
⁴⁹ And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my 
mother and my brothers! 
⁵⁰ For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister 
and mother.”

We’ve studied a chronology of the Gospels, and it’s been about one-year into Jesus’ public ministry.

• He’s teaching & preaching good news of the Lord’s favor (Lk 4:18-19)
• He’s calling people to repent & believe (Mt 4:17)
• He’s named some to be with him for training (Mk 3:14-15)
• Multitudes of men and women are following
• 12 disciples are committed
• BUT Jesus’ family is concerned, with some being cynical
• Some of Jesus’ siblings considered him “out of his mind” (Mk 3:21).
• Ultimately, Jesus communicates that his family are those who follow him as LORD.

Jesus was a son.

• Eternal Son of God[1]  – – – Jesus was in the beginning with God
• Incarnated Son of Mary
  • Vessel for the Savior and special blessing to Mary
  • Motherly bond with Jesus…
    launched public miracles (Jn 2:3 “son, they have no more wine!”); stayed even unto death, weeping at the cross (Jn 19:26)
    
• You are a son/daughter meant to honor father and mother. To “honor” means to give weight and significance; in other words, to give them your loving affection.  
• Family is a priority but only God is primary. Each person must bend the knee and bow your heart to Jesus.

Jesus was a sibling

• First child of Joseph & Mary
• It’s believed Joseph passed during Jesus’ teen years. Therefore, Jesus likely took on extra responsibilities to help provide for the household. Jesus was known to follow his father’s footsteps as a builder/carpenter.
• Jesus had siblings (Mt 12:46-47; 13:55; Mk 6:3; Lk 8:18-20; Jn 2:12; 7:5; Ac 1:14; 1Cor 9:5)
  • Gospels regularly refer to Jesus’ siblings in company with his mother. Despite a religious doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity… which interprets these either to be children from a prior marriage for Joseph; or to be cousins that Joseph & Mary became providers.[2]James, Joses/Joseph, Simon, Jude, and sisters. The sisters are unnamed, but tradition says at least were Mary, Salome.
  • All siblings did not acknowledge Jesus’ as Lord (Jn 7:5;
    Mk 3:21 “Jesus must be out of his mind;” Mt 13:57 prophet w/o honor at home).

• You are a sibling, whether biologically or emotionally. We’re called to show love toward our neighbors and fellow humanity. Each day be on the lookout for ways you can show the light and love of Jesus to someone.

Jesus is the exclusive Savior

Yet, Jesus makes it clear that those in his family are those who follow Him as Lord – “whoever does the will of God.”

• Paul’s echo about only those in Christ are the offspring of Abraham (Gal 3:29)
• Early church affection of calling one another “brother/sister” and even “mother/father in the faith.”
• NT instructions for the church to care for widows and one another… or you’re considered “worse than an unbeliever” (1Tim 5:8)

• Are you in the family?
  – Proven loyalty to earn trust
  – Sponsorship to vouch for you
  – Dedicating life
  – Initiation ritual of oath; maybe drawing blood
  – Receiving the family protection

Being a Christian is greater than the mob bc Jesus already gave His blood and life. Therefore, our response is not life-threatening but it is a call to fully surrender.

The will of God is to do the work of God. What is the work God has called you?

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[1] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/theological-primer-eternal-sonship/

[2] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-relatives-of-jesus/