Blessings of a Family

by Albert England

One of the greatest blessings a person can have is being a part of a genuine family. One is born into a family and continues to grow and develop into many close and endearing family relationships. The family was originated by God. The happy, successful family is one who imitates its originator, yet in Matthew 12:46-50 the mother and brothers of Jesus come to the house that was filled with a multitude desiring to see Jesus. One of the multitude said to Jesus, "Look your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with you." But he answered and said, "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." How blessed we are to be a part of the family of God.
This occasion provided Jesus an opportunity to teach a lesson on spiritual relationships. Jesus emphasizes that spiritual relationships are more important than fleshly ties, even though he had great respect for His mother.
One of the most important things to Jesus was His close relationship with His disciples. The ties of human relationships are physical and temporal; but the ties with Christ are spiritual and eternal. Christian ties are more important than the ties of a blood relative.
Obedience to God's word is the test of our discipleship. Jesus calls those who do the Father's will by the endearing names of brother, sister and mother. What a blessing to be a part of God's holy family. "For whoever does the will of My Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50.

• Growing Families - Feb 05, 2006