by[19] “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. [47] Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” [48] He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” [49] Pointing to 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.” – Matthew 12:46-50 (NIV)
Matthew 12:46-50 is one of the most thought-provoking scriptures I have ever studied. In that scripture, Jesus was distinguishing family from kingdom family in a way that seemed weird. He was ministering to the crowd when his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. Think about that. It meant Jesus was busy and couldn’t talk to His biological family now. And that was okay. But guess what He said when others came to tell Him His relatives were looking for Him outside. Jesus 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” (see Matthew 12:49-50).
Note something here. He didn’t point to the crowd when He wanted to identify His kingdom family. Instead, He pointed to His disciples. That has a lot of meaning. Jesus was saying that the kingdom family comprises not just believers who come to church but disciples who walk with Him daily. It’s not surprising that today, many people are in churches but aren’t born again. Some are not even ministers of God because they are not followers of God’s commands, as written in scripture. What a tragedy!
Aside from Jesus knowing vividly that He came from above and not from the Earth, He had more security belonging to His team than to His biological family. A minister of God whom his family persecutes will probably behave like Jesus. He’ll find more joy and security hanging around like-minded believers than staying home. As a minister, sometimes, you may not have control over some life conditions, such as finding and following your calling in an idolatrous home. But let it be in your consciousness that it is a season, and it will definitely change when God elevates you to a level where you can be self-reliant. Nevertheless, please make it a top priority to marry correctly so your future home will be filled with godliness.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for all You do for me. Help me walk with people wisely, and give me a kingdom family I can confide in. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 164
Related: Give Your Team Extra Special Treatment
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