“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Prov 21:1-6.10-13; Psalm: 118; Lk 8:19-21

In Luke 8:19-21, we are presented with a brief but powerful passage in which Jesus addresses the importance of family and obedience to God. The passage reads: “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.'”

Upon first reading this passage, it may seem like Jesus is dismissing his own family in favor of his followers. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear that Jesus is trying to convey a larger spiritual truth. He is not negating the importance of family, but rather emphasizing the significance of following God’s Will above all else. Jesus is highlighting that true discipleship is not simply about blood relations, but about a commitment to living out the teachings of God.

This passage also underscores the radical nature of Jesus’ message. In ancient Jewish culture, family ties were considered to be of utmost importance. Yet, Jesus challenges this norm by suggesting that obedience to God takes precedence over familial relationships. This would have been a startling message for Jesus’ contemporaries and continues to be a challenging concept for us today. It forces us to consider where our true priorities lie and to reflect on how we are living out our faith in our daily lives.

Furthermore, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that discipleship requires action, not just belief. Jesus makes it clear that hearing God’s word is not enough; it must be put into practice. This challenges us to move beyond simply listening to the teachings of Jesus, and to actively seek to live them out in our own lives. It calls us to examine our own obedience to God’s will and to make a conscious effort to align our actions with his teachings.

The message of this passage is one of inclusivity and spiritual kinship. Jesus expands the definition of family to include all who hear and obey God’s word, emphasizing that our bond as followers of Christ transcends blood relationships. This challenges us to view our fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ, and to strive for unity and community within the body of believers. It prompts us to reflect on how we can deepen our commitment to God and one another to fully live out the message of love and grace that Jesus embodies.