Matthew 12:46-50 "While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Jesus, as a man, was tempted in all points like we are (Hebrews 4:15). He never yielded to these temptations and therefore never sinned. We also know that He ate and slept like other men. He got tired and needed to rest (John 4:6, Mark 6:31).
Jesus travelled with His disciples to their cities. He healed multitudes of diseases and cast out devils. He taught words of hope and comfort while contending with the constant harassment of the scribes and Pharisees. While doing good and honoring His Father, the Pharisees plotted how they might destroy Him.
Over the years, when life has become trying, one of the most rejuvenating things for me was a surprise visit from family. Having my parents drop by and spend some time always brought encouragement and refreshing. Even a simple phone call from one of my sisters lifted my spirits. Fellowship time with my church family has had (and still has) the same effect on my life.
We know He loved His mother, Mary, because He arranged for her care even as He hung on the cross (John 19:25-27). Although His natural brothers did not believe in Him to begin with (John 7:5), we know that they became believers after His resurrection (Acts 1:14). The first commandment with promise was, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Exodus 20:12).” When Jesus was told that His mother and His brothers were waiting to speak with Him, Jesus pointed to His disciples and declared them to be His family.
Dear ones, by God’s grace, we have a very real familial relationship with our Lord and Savior. As we follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we bear witness to that relationship. Jesus not only arranged for Mary’s welfare while He hung on the cross, but He did the same for us. When you look in the mirror today, I hope you see a brother or sister of Jesus and that, in Him, we are all family.