Matthew 12:46-50

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (ESV)

It is amazing that someone might be able to call Christ his brother. There are so many titles we can give to him: king, judge, savior, lord, anointed one, shepherd, friend, brother.

Brotherhood with Christ is not an automatic position. We can speak of the brotherhood of humanity which admits all people by virtue of their being human but there is no similar brotherhood with Christ. One does not become blood with Christ by any automatic virtue or characteristic. What Jesus tells us is that obedience makes brothers.

If you want to have Jesus for your brother he tells you how to do it: obey his Father. Don’t just listen to the will of God. Don’t just talk about how good God’s will is. Go out there and actively carry out the will of God – all of it. Live a righteous and holy life, repenting and turning from your sins. Help those who are in need – don’t just feel bad for the needy, find ways to help them! Show love and compassion to the people around you. Give a cup of water to a little child. Visit prisoners. Comfort widows in their distress.

There’s a hymn that says, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God…” but I wonder how many of us live more like black sheep of the family rather than obedient sons and daughters of God working with Jesus Christ to accomplish the will of his Father.

Lord forgive us our rebellion and Lord make us faithful!