Daily Devotional for Saturday, September 9

Who Is My Mother?

“And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother,” Mark 3:34, 35.

Wow! Seems as if Jesus is downplaying relationships here. The Bible says to honor your father and your mother. “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2, 3). In Luke 2:51, it says Jesus was subject unto His parents.

Now it seems He is saying, “Who cares?” Is this really the situation? Not at all! God is the One who established family relationships so that people might learn and grow. The parent and child relationship is rather significant for a child to have the opportunity to know the Lord. During Jesus’ ministry, He always directed people’s attention to God the Father so people would know Him and believe on Him.

It is obvious from the text that Jesus’ earthly family was concerned about Him. Jesus used this opportunity for yet another teaching moment. Jesus used this occasion to direct their thoughts on the spiritual rather than the physical.

Even as an adult, if a parent, a brother or a sister wanted your attention, you would most certainly oblige and settle their concerns. But Jesus, as always, pointed them to the spiritual. All believers have a spiritual relationship with Jesus, making God their Father.

Family relationships are different and not all members of the same family may be believers. Becoming a part of the family of God through salvation has given you many fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. Many consider this a great blessing because the church is the only family they have. 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: No matter your family dynamic, you can be thankful for a family that gives you the support you need to grow spiritually.

Karry Irizarry