Matthew 12:46

“Here are my mother and my brothers.”

Jesus had high regard for his mother and his siblings. As to his mother, did he not remember the needs of his mother, Mary, wife of Joseph, as he was hanging on the cross? He loved his mother dearly and his blood brothers and sisters as well. Loving God does not imply that our love for others should diminish.

What, then, is he saying? I must admit that it is so hard to hear that it is almost painful. I hear him saying that loyalty to God and love for all who love God is my new family in the Kingdom of God and that relationship trumps all relationships. This is such a demanding thought that I falter.

What is my new family as a person saved and set apart by Jesus’ atoning work? Jesus knows, He says, “For whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Not only does the Blood of Christ set me free, it ushers me into a new relationship with every human being on the face of the earth. Loving all who are saved by the blood of Jesus is my duty and privilege. Loving all mankind is undiminished as we love God and those in the family of faith.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ resembles a family, is a family, a real one, indeed. I have only begun to think this way. I am compelled by the love of God to embrace all believers as my bothers and sisters and mothers.

What an impact would this have on the world if all lovers of Jesus would love like that! The power of that love enables a new existence, here and eventually in heaven.

“Whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”