A great passage!
Matthew 12:46-50 KJV says:
"While he yet spake to the people, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak to him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And stretching forth his hand toward his disciples, he said, Behold my mother; and behold my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
This passage reveals some interesting insights about Jesus' perspective on family relationships. Here are a few key takeaways:
1. **Jesus prioritizes his kingdom work over family obligations**: When his mother and brothers come to fetch him, they're met with a surprising response: "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" Jesus is essentially saying that his true family is those who do the will of God, not just biological relatives.
2. **The concept of family is redefined**: By pointing to his disciples as his new family, Jesus blurs the lines between traditional family ties and his own spiritual family. This reflects his message of inclusivity and the importance of relationships within the kingdom of heaven.
3. **Spiritual kinship takes precedence over physical relationships**: Jesus' words "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" highlight the idea that spiritual connection with God is more important than physical connections like family ties.
4. **Jesus sets an example for his followers**: By redefining what it means to be part of a family, Jesus demonstrates the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God above all else. This encourages his followers to do the same and focus on building relationships within the community of believers.
Overall, this passage showcases Jesus' emphasis on spiritual relationships and his mission to build a new kind of family – one that transcends biological ties and is united by their shared commitment to following God's will.
A classic biblical question!
The phrase "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" (Mark 3:34) is a statement made by Jesus Christ in response to the crowd that had gathered around him. This statement is often misunderstood or misinterpreted, so let's break it down:
In Jewish culture, family was extremely important, and blood relationships were seen as crucial for identity, community, and social status. So, when someone asked Jesus about his mother and brothers, they were essentially asking: "Who are your closest relatives?"
When Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" he was not denying his earthly family (although he had already started to distance himself from them by doing miracles and preaching without their approval). Instead, Jesus was pointing out that:
1. **Spiritual relationships matter more**: By asking about his spiritual family, Jesus emphasized the importance of those who shared his faith and mission, rather than just his biological relatives.
2. **A new community is emerging**: Jesus was creating a new kind of community, one based on mutual support, love, and following him, regardless of blood ties or social connections. He saw himself as building a spiritual family, not just a biological one.
3. **The old ways were being replaced**: By questioning the importance of his earthly mother and brothers, Jesus was signaling that his message and movement would supplant traditional Jewish values and social structures.
In essence, Jesus was saying: "My true 'family' is those who follow me, accept my teachings, and share in my mission to spread God's love. They are my spiritual brothers and sisters."
This statement reflects the radical nature of Jesus' ministry and his desire to establish a new community that transcends traditional social boundaries and family ties.
A classic!
The phrase "Who is my neighbor?" comes from the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. In this passage, a lawyer asks Jesus:
"What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus responds by asking him:
"What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"
The lawyer replies:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
Jesus then asks:
"And who is my neighbor?"
This question is often interpreted as a test of the lawyer's understanding of the concept of "neighbor." Jesus' response to this question is the story of the Good Samaritan, which illustrates the importance of showing compassion and kindness to all people, regardless of their social status or background.
In essence, Jesus is saying that our neighbor is not just someone who lives next door, but anyone in need who we can show love, care, and mercy. The phrase "Who is my neighbor?" has become a powerful reminder to look beyond our own circles and to serve those around us with kindness and compassion.
A great choice!
Matthew 12 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their hypocrisy. Here are some key verses and themes:
1. **Jesus heals on the Sabbath** (Matthew 12:9-14): Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath day, despite the Pharisees' protests that this work is forbidden.
2. **Blasphemy charge** (Matthew 12:22-24): The Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, rather than God. Jesus responds by pointing out that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
3. **The Sign of Jonah** (Matthew 12:38-42): The people ask Jesus for a sign to prove his authority. Jesus replies that no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah, implying that His message is greater than any physical sign.
4. **Jesus' family thinks He's crazy** (Matthew 12:46-50): When Jesus' mother and brothers come looking for Him, they're told to wait because those who do God's will are His family.
Some key themes in Matthew 12 include:
1. **The Sabbath controversy**: Jesus' actions on the Sabbath day highlight the importance of spiritual freedom over traditional laws.
2. **Hypocrisy vs. authentic faith**: The Pharisees and scribes are rebuked for their hypocrisy, while Jesus models authentic faith through His words and actions.
3. **The kingdom of God**: Matthew 12 emphasizes the message of the kingdom of God, which is central to Jesus' teaching throughout the Gospel.
These verses in Matthew 12 have significant implications for understanding Jesus' identity, His relationship with the Pharisees, and the nature of faith.
A great passage!
Matthew 12:46-50 is a significant section in the Gospel of Matthew, as it highlights Jesus' relationship with his mother, brothers, and followers. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
**Context:** The passage begins with Jesus teaching the crowds about his true family (verse 46). This statement seems to contrast with what the people might have expected - that his "family" would be those related to him by blood or marriage.
**Jesus' mother and brothers arrive:** Verses 47-48 describe how Jesus' mother, Mary, along with his brothers, James and Jude, arrive at the scene. They are likely concerned about Jesus, thinking he has gone off the deep end (cf. John 7:3-5).
**The importance of doing God's will:** In verse 49, Jesus responds to his family's arrival by saying that those who do God's will are his true brothers and sisters. This statement emphasizes that following Jesus is not just about being part of a biological family, but about sharing in God's purposes.
**A call to all disciples:** Verse 50 then extends this invitation to all who would follow Jesus: "For anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
**Meaning:** This passage highlights several key points:
1. **Prioritizing God's will over human relationships**: Jesus is saying that his true family are those who share in God's purposes, not just those related to him by blood.
2. **The inclusivity of discipleship**: The passage broadens the scope of who can be considered part of Jesus' "family" - anyone who follows God's will, regardless of their background or relationships with Jesus.
3. **The importance of spiritual family ties**: Jesus is emphasizing that spiritual connections (based on shared values and goals) are more significant than biological ones.
In summary, Matthew 12:46-50 teaches us that following Jesus is not just about being part of a specific group or family, but about aligning our lives with God's will. This passage encourages us to prioritize spiritual relationships over human ones and to see all believers as part of one big "family" united in their pursuit of God.
Matthew 12:50 (KJV) says:
"Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for me."
A classic topic of inquiry!
The Bible does not explicitly state who your biological mother and brother are, as these questions are more relevant to individual circumstances rather than universal spiritual truths. However, I can provide some insights from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
**Who is my mother?**
In Matthew 12:46-50, a woman in the crowd calls Jesus "Mother" (KJV), which might seem like an obvious answer to your question. However, Jesus' response clarifies that His teachings are not just for biological family members but for all who follow Him:
"Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he pointed unto his disciples, saying,
Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
In this context, Jesus is emphasizing that His spiritual family consists of all those who accept Him as their Lord and follow His teachings. Your biological mother may be someone who has shown you love and care, but in a spiritual sense, your "mother" could be anyone who guides you toward God's will.
**Who is my brother?**
Similarly, the question about your biological brother can also be seen from a broader perspective. In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus responds to the woman's declaration by saying:
"Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Here, Jesus is not referring to just biological siblings but rather all those who follow Him and live according to His teachings. In a spiritual sense, your "brother" could be anyone with whom you share a common faith or values.
**Conclusion**
While the Bible does not provide explicit answers to your questions about your biological mother and brother, Jesus' teachings encourage us to focus on our spiritual relationships and the family of God, which transcends blood ties. Your "mother" and "brother" could be anyone who shares your faith journey and helps you grow in your walk with God.
Remember, your spiritual family is not limited by biology or geography; it's a community of believers united under the banner of Christ.
A great question!
The Bible does not explicitly state who your biological parents are. However, it does provide some clues and insights that can help you understand the nature of family relationships.
In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, there are several passages that shed light on this topic:
1. **Jesus' response to Nicodemus**: In John 3:5-6, Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual rebirth and implies that physical birth (from human parents) is not the primary means of entering the kingdom of God.
2. **The concept of adoption**: In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul writes about how we were adopted as children of God through faith in Christ: "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual adoption and emphasizes that our true parents are heavenly, not earthly.
3. **The example of Jesus' relationship with His disciples**: In Matthew 10:28-31, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of loving their neighbors as themselves. He also emphasizes that they should love Him more than their own families (including their biological parents). This passage illustrates that our primary relationships are not based on biology but on spiritual connection and shared values.
4. **The importance of spiritual family**: In Hebrews 2:10-11, the writer says, "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual family and unity among believers, emphasizing that we are all part of God's family.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly state who your biological parents are, it emphasizes the importance of spiritual relationships and adoption. Your true parents are heavenly, and your primary connections are with those who share your faith and values in Jesus Christ.