Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 85; Matthew 12:46-50
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers (Obedience)
Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you” (Matt. 12:47). This particular passage verse has been a subject of controversy among many believers. Some believe that Jesus had other siblings; that is, Mary had other children apart from Jesus. According to the Commentary of the New Community Bible; in the Jewish society, the word ‘brother’ did not necessarily mean ‘blood brothers’ or children of the same parents. Rather, it stands for various degree of kinship; close relatives, members of the same clan or tribe, or even of the same people (Lev.19:18); these ‘brothers’ of Jesus are at best called cousins today.
Apart from the above, the Bible also commented on a new dimension of relationship, called relationship by faith. This relationship exist in the kingdom that Christ has come to establish. In this kingdom we are all brothers and sisters; one family of God not by means of blood but by obedience to the Father’s will (John 1:13). Precisely because of this, Jesus told them “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, my sister and my mother” (Matt.12:50). Therefore, obedience qualifies into the family of God; while disobedience disqualifies us from the family of God. In Gen.3:23 Adam and Eve were disqualified from the family of God due to disobedience. Beloved, Micah in the first reading asked for God’s mercy and summons to obedience in order for us to continue to enjoy God’s favour.
LET US PRAY (Psalm 85 4-7)
Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, lord, and grant us your salvation. Amen.
