Jesus Family
I grew up in a big family. I have two brothers and two sisters. My parents had seven siblings each. So, our family get-togethers were huge. We were also close to one another growing up.
After graduating college and getting married, I started a family of my own. My wife and I are parents to five amazing kiddos. We are blessed with three grands. I must confess that one of the “idols of my heart” is my family. I am very protective of my family. I care deeper than words can express about my family. I love their smiles, their hugs, their unique personalities. I love them.
I came across a passage this morning that used to disturb me because I didn’t understand it. Check this out….
46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”
48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”(Matthew 12:46-50 NLT)
I don’t think Jesus is asking His followers to love our family less; I think He’s challenging us to love God more. I want to make more room to love the Lord deeply. As I expand my capacity to love God more, I’m improving my love for my family. As I love God more, my capacity to love others expands deeply.
Our church youth group started using the term “Jesus Family” a while ago. I love that title because it applies to my fellow believers and followers of Jesus. I have a HUGE Jesus family. I am learning to love others like Jesus did. My Jesus family doesn’t always look like me or act like me, but they love Jesus and are following Him. The family reunion of my Jesus family happens each weekend when we gather to worship. I’m so thankful for my personal family AND my Jesus family!
Pressing On!
Dwayne