What should be the commitment and calling of everyone called to communicate the message of God’s word via preaching/teaching ministry… “For Christ … sent me to preach the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (From 1 Corinthians 1:17-18)
Jesus, Son of God and Messiah, certainly honored the fifth of the ten commandments – “Honor your father and your mother!” (Exodus 20:12). Apostle Paul referred to it as “the commandment with promise.” (Ephesians 6:2) As a result I am sure family life was a priority and core value in our Savior’s earthly life. In fact, at His crucifixion Jesus insured that his mother was properly cared for after His death. (John 19:26-27)
Understanding that, Jesus’ response to someone recorded in Matthew 12:46-50 has been puzzling to many. Jesus was very busy speaking to the multitudes one day. The Bible records that is mother, Mary, and his brothers were standing aside, waiting to speak with Him. Someone brought that to Jesus’ attention and His response perhaps seemed out of character…
He asked, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” In other words, “Who is family to me?” Then he pointed to His disciples and explained, “Here are My mother and My brothers! Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!”
Jesus wanted to make an important point! The “family of God” is made up of those who seek to do the will of God!” – He views them as “family!”
You know what I jotted in my Bible after reading that this morning?
Here it is: “Oh, I want to demonstrate unmistakably that I’m a member of God’s family! I want to do God’s will!!! …God is Heavenly Father, Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and I’m His child… I’m FAMILY!”
I don’t recall ever doing this before, but I’m going to quote a study Bible’s notes today (notes from the ESV Journaling Study Bible, Crossway, 2023)…
During my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I read these verses from Isaiah 40…
The Lord speaks through His prophet… “To whom then will you compare Me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He Who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power, not one is missing!” (Isaiah 40:25–26 ESV)
Here’s the commentary from the Journaling Study Bible on those verses (see if you are not challenged, encouraged – see if your faith is not uplifted and strengthened)!
“The Holy One of Israel has no equal in His power (vs. 12), wisdom (vss. 13-14), immensity (vss 15-17), sovereignty (vss. 22-23) and authority (vs. 25)! Thus only He is worthy of worship, for He created, controls, and preserves what the pagans foolishly worship… About 5,000 stars were visible at night in ancient Israel. Today, however, astronomers estimate that there are more than 400 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, and that there are 125 billion galaxies in the universe. The total number of stars is estimated at 1X1022 or 10 billion trillions! Moreover, the God who created all of these – the Holy One of Israel – even calls them all by name and ensures that ‘not one is missing!’ Such a God will surely never forget even one of His people!”
Now think about that – let it sink in! Even the “hairs of your head are numbered!” (Matthew 10:30; Luke 21:18) Someone needed this message from Scripture today!!!
Coffee With The Lord 