Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”   He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Matthew 8:19 – 21

I come from a rather large family, 11 children!  I am number 9.  One thing is certain, as I look back, these people were like no one else, they were my bothers and sisters!  I did not choose them, but I had them and they were truly different from anyone else.  I had nothing to do with that.  My Father and my Mother had me and all the others.  We were made one by birth, not because of our selection.  Would I have chosen these 10 to be my brothers and sisters?  Never thought of that.  They just were!

Likewise, I am in the family of the Lord.  In this family my brothers and sisters are not of my choice, but of God’s decree.  Are they second class brothers and sisters?  In a way, but in a more significant way they are my siblings because I was born of the will of God, by his Spirit, as were they.  This is a most delightful gift of grace.  I have brothers and sisters all over this great world.  Praise the Lord!