The Messiah’s Family

“Pointing to his disciples, he 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 12:49-50)

Jesus and His Earthly Family (12:46-47)

• Beginnings and parents: Matthew 1-2
• Siblings: Matthew 13:55
• Eventual disciples: James (Galatians 1:19; James 1:1), Jude (Jude 1:1), and others (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5)

Jesus and His Disciple Family (12:48-50)

• The one who does the will of the Father in heaven
• Encountering the Father
• Jesus as our Brother

Living as Jesus’ Family

• Living by belonging to the Father
• Living the Father’s will
• Living together with our new brothers and sisters

1. When you think of the word “family,” what do you think of and why?
2. This week we conclude our series, “The Messiah’s Mission,” by looking at Matthew 12:46-50. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
3. Today’s text focuses on the family of Jesus. We have not heard about them since chapters 1-2 of Matthew. Read the parallel account in Mark 3:21. Why do Jesus’ family members come to see Him?
4. Jesus appears to be speaking in a house in Capernaum. His family has likely traveled there from Nazareth, which is at least 20 miles away. What is Jesus’ response to His family’s arrival in verses 48-50?
5. How does Jesus redefine what “family” is all about in His kingdom in verse 50?
6. This echoes what Jesus said earlier in Matthew 7:21. Read that verse. What do you think it means to “do the will of my Father in heaven”?
7. Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus affirmed the importance of God’s law (Matthew 5:17), which includes the call to honor parents (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). Is Jesus saying family is unimportant here? Or is He saying something else?
8. What do you think this means for our relationships with our physical family?
9. What does this mean for our relationships within the church?
10. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

• Memorize Matthew 12:50
• Explore the theme of people becoming part of God’s family in other Scripture passages: Galatians 3:26-4:7; Ephesians 2:11-22; 1 Timothy 3:14-16; Hebrews 3:1-6.
• Watch the Bible Project’s video, “The New Humanity”
• Consider reading:
  • Richard Bauckham, “The Relatives of Jesus”
  • Excerpts of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, Life Together, “5 Must-Read Statements on the Church”