Wouldn’t it be great if God could be family? Jesus tells us it’s not nearly as far-fetched as it might sound.
The disciples were humans just like us–just regular folks. Fishermen. A tax collector. And other no-name jobs. Nothing spectacular, it seems. No one was getting ready to be declared “Man of the Year” for Time magazine. No one was about to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
More importantly, the disciples were sinners just like us. They broke God’s laws. They deserved God’s punishment. They fell short of God’s glory.
Just like us.
Yet, Jesus points them out as his brothers. And he doesn’t stop there. Anyone who trusts in Jesus the way the disciples did, he says, and shows this by the fruit they produce in their lives, will be known as the brothers and sisters of the Son of God.
You see, it’s like Jesus said on another occasion. “What’s impossible with man is possible with God!”
In other words, not outrageous at all!
He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50, NIV).
Jesus, thank you for making me your family by faith. Your Holy Spirit is responsible for drawing by dead heart to faith. Please send the Spirit every day through your word to keep my faith alive, and my family relationship with you strong and solid. Because only you could make such outrageous things happen to me.
Our reading for Saturday, January 17, is Genesis 34:1 – 35:29, Matthew 12:46 – 13:17 and Psalm 10:1-11.
Header image based on "i love you and i care for you brother", CC by 2.0
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