Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. So he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:19-21 — New English Translation)
Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Only after His birth did Joseph and Mary become husband and wife, and have other children. These children were half-brothers and half-sisters of Jesus; they had the same mother, but a different father. Today’s passage speaks about a time when Jesus was busy teaching, healing, and helping people. When Mary and His half-brothers came to see Him, everyone must have expected Jesus to stop what He was doing and give His family special treatment. But He didn’t. Instead He said that anyone who hears and does the word of God is His mother and brothers.
This should be a huge encouragement to you. You are just as important to Jesus as His fleshly mother, if you hear and practice His word. He loves you just as much. People often think Jesus would have done anything for His mother, but this passage shows how wrong they are — when we have the courage and faith to follow Him we become His intimate friends and family. We are related to Him spiritually.
If this is true, we need to change the way we think about ourselves, and about how He views us. Don't just read these verses and say: “That’s an amazing statement of Jesus”. Let what He said open up a whole new life for you; a life where you are not tied up and limited. Didn't He emphatically declare that our relationship with Him is the closest relationship possible? If so, then let these words fill you with confidence and excitement. Let His statement open a door to a new and powerful life with the Lord Jesus, and to a new way of praying.
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