Priority of Family?
When you read Matthew 12:46-50, at first glance, Jesus’ response to His mother and brothers’ request seems rather strange. Why would He treat them that way? These are Jesus’ own blood family members desiring
to spend time with Him. An important interpretation principle is context: to understand a Scripture passage, pay attention to what’s around it. Verse 46 states, “He was still speaking to the people.” What is going on here? First, Jesus’ family requested to speak with Him—“Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you.” (v. 47) They came, expecting Jesus to stop what He was doing and visit with them, on their schedule. Second, Jesus’ family experienced His response to them—“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (v. 50) “Experienced” is the right word; He let them know everything is changed. He wasn’t repudiating His earthly blood family; He was emphasizing His priorities before the Father. Jesus was establishing that the Father’s work is more important than that of the world. The issue is not simply interruption because Jesus was always ready to stop and meet a need along the way, even right in the middle of teaching. He was emphasizing the supremacy and eternality of spiritual relationships. Everything is changed when a person receives Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Before salvation, blood family is primary. Once born again, all that is associated with physical birth becomes secondary: spiritual rebirth becomes primary. I love my old unsaved physical blood family, but my spiritual family is now the priority. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) This is controversial; but sometimes you have to step out alone. You have authority over your life before God—suffering doesn’t excuse you from responsibility. Don’t use family as an excuse not to be involved.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.