JESUS SPEAKING
“Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8: 19 – 21)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
As Jesus preached to the masses, His mother and brothers arrived. And yet the thick crowds prevented them from reaching Him. Upon being made aware of their presence, Jesus verbally dismantles the priority of traditional family affiliation. Thus, the importance of biological association is no longer a cause for preference. Instead, a new spiritual family has been established; a family comprised of individuals who not only profess a belief in Jesus Christ, but also implement His teachings into their daily lives. In turn, genuine faith is always accompanied by good works.
Since the beginning, authentic Christianity has consistently been very works oriented. We read in the book of James, “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.” (James 2: 14 – 17)
When we place our trust in Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit we are reborn into a new family. We become children of the Living God; sons and daughters of the Most High. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are no longer affiliated merely by what we express verbally, but instead, by the works that accompany our confessions of faith. Odedience to God and the teachings of Jesus Christ are physical manifestations of true belief. May we continue to accomplish good works in our community and among the family of believers.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we are truly grateful for Your mercy and grace. As we walk in fellowship with You, may we obey the teachings of Your Son and love our new brothers and sisters. Permit our faithfulness and acts of affection to drive others to the foot of the cross. As we lay down our lives, may you arise in our place; that the gospel message might be preached to all those living in darkness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 