Today’s Encouragement is, “Someone told Jesus, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.’ Jesus replied, ‘My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.’” Luke 8:20-21 NLT
Hear and Obey –
Most of us would think when Jesus learned His family was coming to visit Him… He would jump up and welcome them in! But instead, His response could be considered rude! He essentially dismissed His biological family and embraced His spiritual family in their stead!
Now, Jesus didn’t abandon His mother. Instead, He provided for her care even as He was dying on the cross (John 19:27). Yet, He spoke of leaving behind family in order to follow Him (Matthew 19:29).
The spiritual truth here, my friend, is this: our spiritual nature is eternal, and our spiritual family is eternal. Our spirit is eternal, and so it is greater than our physical bodies. Also, our spiritual family, brothers and sisters in Christ and our Father God, our brother Jesus (reread today’s verse), are our true and eternal family!
And it’s rather large! All believers of every tribe, nation, and tongue… of all time… from Adam to David to Jesus Day, and since then and beyond our present day… all those who believe… are our brothers and sisters!
Notice the closeness of the relationship also. He doesn’t say everyone who believes is related to me, like a third cousin once removed. No, He is our brother; God is our Father! Not an aged great, great grandfather, but a vibrant, involved, interested, engaged, loving, providing, arranging, perfect Father!
Thank You, Father, that we who believe, hear, and do our best to obey You are your true and eternal family.
Trust and Obey
Big Daddy Weave
Today’s Encouragement 