46 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
Last night I was talking to a friend at dinner and was playing an old preaching game, where someone shares a passage and you have to give a title and key theme for your message. This passage about Jesus turning away his mother was in my mind because I knew that I would be looking at it today, so I decided to ask her to share her one-point sermon on these words. She replied:
“Jesus gives us permission to have space from our families.“
I paused, completely stunned. Was she right? For me, this has always been the problem of this passage, I have met so many children of church leaders who have walked away from God because they felt that their parents chose ministry over them and this seemed idea to justify that. Worse, it encourages it. Jesus can’t be saying to turn your back on family to focus on your ministry? Can he?
So, I asked her to unpack her thoughts and she told me a bit about her story and her relationship with family that had been incredibly painful. She had felt trapped in unhealthy and damaging relationships with no exit because they were family. Her mental health had declined and she had found it impossible to cope. After all you can choose your friends but you are stuck with your family. In this passage Jesus offered her a new family centre, new brothers and sisters and even new spiritual parents to support and guide her. It permissioned freedom and challenged her to think of other’s and their need for healthy relationship.
What was a challenging passage for me, was a revelation of grace and freedom for her.
Reflect
- What was your first reaction to this passage?
- Who has God placed in your life as a new family?
- How do you show and receive support from them?
Respond
Today, let’s spend some time thanking God for people who he has placed in our lives. Think of five people and why you are grateful for them. If you have time write down their names and why you are grateful. Spend some time praying for them.
