Matthew 12
As Jesus finished challenging the Pharisees who asked Him for a sign - testing Him - Jesus is informed that His brothers (as named in Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3) and mother are outside waiting to speak with Him. Jesus once again reminds us of how biological ties are not our priority (God is) and that these ties may not always be what is best for us - yes we are to honor our father and mother per the Ten Commandments, but today's verse, as well as Matthew 10:21-22, indicate that our faith in God is most important and that we should be careful how biological ties get in the way or hinder our faith.
The formation of the early church in Acts (v42-47 in particular) reinforces Jesus statement today.
Such fellowship, also "unpacked" by John Piper as the kind of fellowship that Jesus believes we should have in support of our faith.
See additional references or salutations to "brothers and sisters" in Christ by Paul and James.n
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide both a biological family that supports my faith as well as brothers and sisters in Christ - thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. v50
As Jesus finished challenging the Pharisees who asked Him for a sign - testing Him - Jesus is informed that His brothers (as named in Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3) and mother are outside waiting to speak with Him. Jesus once again reminds us of how biological ties are not our priority (God is) and that these ties may not always be what is best for us - yes we are to honor our father and mother per the Ten Commandments, but today's verse, as well as Matthew 10:21-22, indicate that our faith in God is most important and that we should be careful how biological ties get in the way or hinder our faith.
The formation of the early church in Acts (v42-47 in particular) reinforces Jesus statement today.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:44
Such fellowship, also "unpacked" by John Piper as the kind of fellowship that Jesus believes we should have in support of our faith.
See additional references or salutations to "brothers and sisters" in Christ by Paul and James.n
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide both a biological family that supports my faith as well as brothers and sisters in Christ - thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
