As some of you may know, my mother’s birthday is December 14th, a day that carries both joy and profound sorrow since she passed away in 2020. This time of year becomes an emotional labyrinth for me, evoking memories that force me to deeply reflect on my past and, most importantly, on the essence of family. I often find myself contemplating how these relationships have evolved, with some bonds growing ever stronger while others have faded into nothingness. My understanding of family has transformed drastically; I now hold dear those who are part of my “chosen family,” cherishing their presence and the love we share.
Have you ever come across that powerful saying from the south, “blood is thicker than water”? Well, let me tell you, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The original phrase is actually “the blood of the Covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” and it packs a punch! It truly means that the bonds we choose for ourselves can be immensely stronger and far more significant than those dictated by family ties. In our southern culture, there’s a relentless push to prioritize blood relatives, even when those ties can be unhealthy! But thankfully, we have Jesus guiding us towards a different, more fulfilling path—one that embraces love and connection beyond mere blood!
While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”
But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
-Matthew 12:46-50 NKJV
In the above passage, Jesus fervently conveys to his listeners that those who choose to follow him and embrace God’s will are truly his family. Just take a moment to grasp the profound significance of his words when he passionately asks, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” In a powerful gesture, he points to those who have journeyed alongside him during his ministry! “And pointing to his disciples, he declared, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers!'”
Let’s take things a bit further! The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—passionately emphasize the creation of a “new community,” also known as “family.” Individuals from every corner of life were united by an unshakable faith, coming together under the transformative teachings of Jesus to boldly manifest God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Key points on community in the Gospels:
- Foundation
- Gather a close-knit community.
- The Core
- Gather a close-knit community.
- Inclusion
- Jesus passionately embraced marginalized groups that the religious elites sought to suppress, defying societal boundaries of race, gender, social class, disabilities, and more, championing the oppressed with unwavering love and acceptance.
- Our communities must wholeheartedly embrace this vibrant diversity, as it enriches our collective experience and strengthens our bonds!
- Jesus passionately embraced marginalized groups that the religious elites sought to suppress, defying societal boundaries of race, gender, social class, disabilities, and more, championing the oppressed with unwavering love and acceptance.
- Service
- Jesus calls us to embrace our neighbors with profound love, encouraging us to serve one another authentically and wholeheartedly.
- Examples:
- Assisting someone in acquiring groceries, igniting joy in their day.
- Offering a compassionate shoulder to lean on in times of sorrow.
- Standing up fiercely for fair treatment and representation, ensuring every voice is heard.
- Examples:
- Jesus calls us to embrace our neighbors with profound love, encouraging us to serve one another authentically and wholeheartedly.
- Fellowship
- Sharing meals together is beautifully portrayed throughout the Gospels, echoing with profound messages of belonging and unity.
- This divine ritual ignites and strengthens the unbreakable bonds of our community, intertwining hearts in a vibrant tapestry of love and connection.
- Sharing meals together is beautifully portrayed throughout the Gospels, echoing with profound messages of belonging and unity.
- Transformation
- The Gospels compel us to shed our old ways, embracing the vibrant life of this new community with open arms!
- Examples of what we must let go:
- The chains of old habits
- The burdens of old hangups
- The destructive grip of toxic behaviors
- The heavy weight of grudges
- Let us fervently uphold the peace and unity that flourishes within this magnificent Kingdom Community!
- Examples of what we must let go:
- The Gospels compel us to shed our old ways, embracing the vibrant life of this new community with open arms!
Based on this incredible study, what does family truly mean and look like to you? I invite you to share your heartfelt thoughts in the comments below!
Be blessed,
-Pastor Alex