IĆ¢ā¬ā¢m joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. All of us writing on that same word. For the month of October, I am going to try to incorporate the word prompts into my series, 31 Questions Jesus Asked.
Today the word prompt is … Family.
Jesus knew the importance of family. We can see this evidenced at the Cross, where He entrusted the care of His mother to one of His disciples.
When told by someone in the crowd of his mother and brothers who were waiting to speak to Him, Jesus asks:
“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” (Matthew 12:48-50, NLT)
He was not in any way diminishing the importance of strong, loving, and healthy family ties. Not at all.
Jesus ministered to the crowds, filled with compassion by their needs and burdens, for He viewed them as His spiritual family.
Instead He was telling us that those who are a part of His family will do the will of God, His Father. With these very simple and direct questions, Jesus extends family for us. He wants us to look outside of the typical definition and see beyond the confines of our homes.
Jesus was turning the definition of family into something larger than earthly ties. With one fell question, family became redefined.
“Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood.” (The Message)
This is Day 2 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith Filled Friday and Fellowship Friday and Grace & Truth .
I talked about how family is important to God in this prompt too, Joanne. Love that Jesus redefined it and we have the opportunity to add others to our family circles!
Holly, I enjoyed your podcast on family. It is exciting to see how God is growing you!
Very lovely post and a very apt response to the prompt in light of events in the news. I, in particular, found the verses you quote particularly helpful and thank you for your post. Helen {A FMF friend}
So grateful you stopped here, Helen. As we see & hear of events in the news, may we turn to Him for much wisdom.
Hi Joanne…..indeed. Helen
Taking great joy that my family has been expanded – linking with others in Christ!
It is amazing how we can connect with so many in our “family” without ever having met face to face š Blessings!
Good words to blend your Questions with the word for today…I haven’t written mine yet; was so tired last night – and still not rested enough! But, it will get written – good thing the 3rd – 6th are all scheduled! I HAD to get ahead a bit due to other obligations!
Thanks for sharing!
It is a challenge for a reason – It will surely challenge us this month š May we give ourselves grace during this time. Be blessed as you write!
I’ve never really thought about this scene in this way before! My family is anyone God puts in my path–we’re all related because we’re all redeemed.
Anita, I am finding the questions Jesus asked to be challenging.
Hi Joanne – I am ALWAYS blessed when I visit your blog – I love how you always tie life experience to scripture. It’s interesting to read the different posts with this ‘family’ prompt this week. Many are opening up the definition beyond blood relatives. You have the perfect scriptural reference to Jesus’s teaching about opening that definition. Nice! I hope you have a wonderful weekend – full of peace and joy in all things. Janet
Janet, I am always glad when you share here as you always encourage & push me on. I am truly finding the questions Jesus asked to be just as challenging today as they must have been then.
This is so thought provoking. Our family is often taken for granted because everyone’s busy doing their own thing. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.
it’s true, Lux. The busyness of the days can so make us take those in our families for granted. I think we all needed the reminder š