It is a known fact that familiarity breeds contempt and Jesus suffered the same in his own family and country. The people of Nazareth knew him very well as the son of a mere carpenter and Mary and refused to listen to neither his divinely endowed wisdom nor recognize his prophetic authority. They rejected him based on his family background, and social status. Of course, Jesus recognized that and remarked that: ‘a prophet is not without honor except in his own country, his own relatives, and his own house’ (Mark 6:4). The statement of Jesus makes sense. It explains why people are more receptive and respectful to people outside the family circle. To resolve this challenge and achieve his goal, Jesus decided to form a new family on earth apart from his own biological family.
The New Family of Christ
As soon as Jesus started his public ministry, he started forming disciples and followers. He appointed his closest cabinet, the apostles. They abandoned their professions and followed him. As such, the ministry of spreading the word of God started in earnest and they were able to draw crowds in synagogues and temples where they often gathered to listen to the word of God. Jesus taught them with authority, challenging the ills of the society and those in authority. And of course, healed the sick and showed compassion to the weak and those physically and mentally challenged in the society.
The ‘new way’ and followers of Christ became his new family on earth; a spiritual family known for its proclamation of the word of God and putting into practice all that Jesus teaches and guides. The faith community became more significant than even his closest biological ties and started spreading rapidly to many areas.
It is thus within one of his teachings and gathering in the temple with large crowd according to today’s gospel that his mother, brothers and sisters (that is his mother, relatives, and other members of his new family, and not his siblings as Jesus had no other sibling) came to see him but the crowd could not allow them to get to him. They had to send message across to him thus: ‘your mother and your brothers and sisters are standing outside, desiring to see you’ (Luke 8: 20). He received the message and declared by making public his new earth family of faith saying: ‘My mother and brothers and sisters are those who hear the word of God and do it’ (Luke 8:21).
The statement thus refers to the larger spiritual faith community which is totally different from his biological family as some may interpret. Thus, believers and followers, the faith community became his new family on earth which is inclusive of everyone who is active in hearing the word of God and putting it into practice.
The Response of Jesus
A lot of people especially in some cultures see the response of Jesus regarding his family to be disappointing but that is not for Christ who set his goals ahead of him and enjoyed teaching in the holy temple. His response to his family provided him the opportunity of establishing a spiritual relationship with those who follow God’s will. His words affirm the superiority of his new family on earth over his biological family based on its spirituality and divine connection as the beloved son of God, the Most High. Besides, it is a call to everyone to move away from the crowd, the barriers of life and become faith and spiritual member of Jesus’ family by acting on his word. This is because his family transcends every other bond but connects us to Christ and with one another through our shared faith and good works.
Conclusion
The central message is in the formation of a new earthly family of Christ – the faith community; a family that enjoys being in the house of God; a family that is spiritually enriched through the word of God and sacrament; and a family that is inclusive of everyone who listens to the word of God and actively obeys them. It is the family where Christ is the head, and we are his members. Let us therefore be active members of Jesus’ family by obeying his words.
Peace be with you!
