Devotions

Rev Gav

Family

Luke 8.19–21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’

Reflect

Jesus was not being harsh when he made this statement about the identity of his mother and brothers. He knew full well who his family members were, and we witness how, even on the cross, he tenderly supported Mary, his birth mother. However, what Jesus did do was use this situation as an opportunity to affirm a new family for those who trusted in him.

When we become a Christian and give our lives to Jesus, we are adopted into a new family and become children of God. Jesus himself grew up without the presence of an earthly father, yet his identity was no longer as Jesus, son of Joseph, but Jesus, son of God. He had a new heavenly father. In the same way, we have a new heavenly parent in God, and our siblings are those who also follow in the way of Christ.

It has been a great joy and privilege to have travelled the world and encountered Christians from different social backgrounds and church traditions, and at a deeper level there is a connection because I and they are both connected to Christ through the Holy Spirit. We both know Jesus.

Today, you may be alone and you may have no earthly family with you, but you are not alone. You have your Mother God with you and 2.4 billion siblings and extended family! My hope and prayer is that, as you journey with FAB Church, you might get to know this special 0.000002% of us! We are your family. x

Pray

Holy God
Thank you that
I am not alone
and that I have
my church family.
When I need
help and support,
remind me to
reach out
and to lean
into my family
for fun, friendship
fellowship, and love.
Now and always.