Knowing The Word in Luke 8:19-21

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

8:19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Comments

The crowd kept Jesus’ family away from him, not because they wanted Jesus for themselves, but because there were so many of them the family could not get through. Jesus’ brothers are the children, most likely, of Mary and Joseph. While theologians of the Catholic tradition hold Mary as a perpetual virgin, there is no biblical support. We can accept the natural biblical meaning that these are the sons of Jesus’ earthly parents.

The desire of the family to see Jesus may suggest some possessiveness; however, Jesus turns the phrase and, in light of the Parable of the Sower, says, “those who hear the word of God,” suggesting his possessiveness of those who believe in him. Followers of Jesus, he tells us, are like family in his mind. He also communicates that our duty to God—“and do it”—takes precedence of all else.

Application

Followers of Jesus have many brothers and sisters, being part of a large and diverse family that spans the planet. We are to care for these sisters and brothers. We also have mothers and fathers who have helped lead us into faith. We, in return, are to be fathers and mothers to others as we share our faith. Whom are you parenting right now?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for my earthly family of faith—for those who helped me come to know Jesus, for those who have supported me in times of trouble and despair, for those who have celebrated good times with me. Thank you that I am never alone because Jesus is my constant, abiding brother.