MATTHEW 12:46-50
THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 12:46-50, we encounter a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry where He redefines the concept of family in the light of spiritual kinship. While Jesus is teaching, His biological mother and brothers come to speak with Him. Instead of going out to meet them, He uses the opportunity to explain that His true family consists of those who do the will of His Heavenly Father. This teaching highlights the shift from natural, familial relationships to the deeper, spiritual bond that comes from discipleship and obedience to God’s will. It demonstrates that following Jesus transcends blood relations and focuses on the mission of living according to God’s plan.
This passage invites reflection on the nature of our relationship with God and with others. In the context of the Jewish culture of the time, family was central to one’s identity and social structure. Jesus challenges this cultural norm by emphasizing that spiritual connection, rooted in faith and action, is what ultimately binds us to Him and to one another. For Christians today, this passage serves as a reminder that our call to follow Christ involves prioritizing God’s will above all, even above earthly relationships. It also opens the door to a broader understanding of community, where the Church itself becomes a family of believers united in Christ.
Matthew 12:46 “While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him.”
In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a profound moment when Jesus, while teaching the crowds, is informed that his mother and brothers are outside, wanting to speak with Him. This scene is often misinterpreted as one where Jesus rejects His family; however, this is far from the truth. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this passage to understand what Jesus truly conveys.
Context and Historical Background
The passage begins with Jesus teaching the crowd when His mother, Mary, and His “brothers” arrive (Mt 12:46). It is important to clarify the term “brothers” here. In Catholic tradition, the term is not necessarily referring to biological siblings of Jesus. The Church has long held the belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary, meaning that she remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. Therefore, these “brothers” are often interpreted as cousins or extended relatives, as the Hebrew and Aramaic languages did not have a specific word for “cousin.”
During the time of Jesus, familial ties were central to Jewish culture, extending beyond the nuclear family to include a broader network of relatives. This cultural context helps us to understand that when the Gospel speaks of Jesus’ “brothers,” it refers to close relatives, not necessarily siblings. This interpretation upholds the teaching of the Church regarding Mary’s perpetual virginity, a doctrine affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 499-501).
The Deeper Spiritual Message
When Jesus is told that His mother and brothers are waiting to speak with Him, He responds with a question: “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” He then looks at His disciples and says, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Mt 12:48-50).
At first glance, this might seem like a dismissal of His earthly family, but in reality, Jesus is revealing a deeper truth about spiritual kinship. He is not rejecting His family; rather, He is expanding the concept of family to include all those who do the will of God. Jesus’ words are a call to prioritize our spiritual relationship with God above all else, even over our biological family.
Far from diminishing the role of Mary, Jesus’ statement actually exalts her. As Pope St. John Paul II noted, Mary is the model of perfect discipleship because she perfectly followed the will of God through her “yes” at the Annunciation. In fact, Mary is the preeminent member of Jesus’ spiritual family, as she is the one who, more than anyone, fulfilled the will of the Father. Thus, when Jesus speaks of those who do the will of His Father as His family, He is ultimately affirming Mary’s unique role in salvation history.
Spiritual Kinship: A New Understanding of Family
This passage echoes Jesus’ teaching in John 15:14, where He says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Here, Jesus highlights that obedience to God’s will creates a bond even deeper than blood relations. This does not undermine the importance of family in our lives, but rather, it elevates our spiritual family as Christians. Through baptism, we are all adopted into the family of God, making us brothers and sisters in Christ.
This new understanding of family is rooted in faith and obedience to God’s word. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The Christian family is called the domestic church because the family manifests and lives out the communal and familial nature of the Church” (CCC 2204). In this way, every Christian is called to be part of God’s family by following His will and living as true disciples of Christ.
Reflection for Christian Life Today
As members of God’s spiritual family, we are invited to reflect on our own lives. Are we doing the will of God? Are we prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else? Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when it seems difficult or uncertain. This passage invites us to reflect on how we live out our faith and how we contribute to the building up of God’s family, the Church.
Application in Catholic Teaching
This teaching aligns beautifully with the Catholic understanding of the communion of saints. As Catholics, we believe that all the faithful – those on earth, those in purgatory, and the saints in heaven – are united in Christ (CCC 946-962). This spiritual family is bound together by love, faith, and prayer, forming a communion that transcends time and space. Each of us, through our baptism and our faith, is part of this spiritual family, and we are called to support one another in our journey toward God.
A Call to Action: Living as Part of God’s Family
This passage is a reminder to live out our Christian vocation fully. We are called to be more than just individuals; we are members of a divine family that spans across heaven and earth. We are to live as true brothers and sisters of Christ by following God’s will, loving one another, and building up the Body of Christ, the Church. Just as Mary said “yes” to God, we too are called to respond with faith and trust in His plan for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for adopting us into Your family through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to always seek Your will in all that we do, so that we may live as true members of Your divine family. Guide us, like Mary, to respond to Your call with faith and trust, and strengthen the bonds of love and unity within our spiritual family, the Church. May we support one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, and may we always strive to do Your will in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 12:47 “Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.'”
This moment sets the stage for a profound teaching from Jesus about spiritual kinship and the family of God. At first glance, this might seem like a simple interruption as Jesus is preaching, but the response of Jesus elevates the significance of what it means to be part of His family.
Jesus’ Response and the Spiritual Family
Immediately following the announcement, Jesus poses a question: “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” He then points to His disciples and declares, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mt 12:48-50). This powerful statement redefines the concept of family, moving beyond mere biological ties to embrace a deeper spiritual connection with those who follow God’s will.
Far from dismissing His biological family, Jesus uses this moment to teach that kinship in the kingdom of God is not limited to earthly relationships. Rather, it is extended to all who are united in faith and obedience to God’s will. The Catechism of the Catholic Church supports this view, teaching that “The Christian family is called the domestic church because the family manifests and lives out the communal and familial nature of the Church as the family of God” (CCC 2204).
Catholic Understanding of “Brothers” and Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
A common question raised by this passage concerns the term “brothers” used in reference to Jesus’ family. The Catholic Church has consistently upheld the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, teaching that Jesus did not have biological brothers in the literal sense. In ancient Jewish culture, the term “brothers” (Greek: adelphoi) could refer to extended family members such as cousins or other close relatives. This understanding aligns with Church tradition, which affirms Mary as ever-virgin (CCC 499). Therefore, when the Gospels mention Jesus’ “brothers,” it is understood in this broader familial sense.
The Role of Mary in Jesus’ Spiritual Family
It is essential to note that Jesus’ response is not meant to diminish His relationship with Mary. On the contrary, Mary holds a unique and exalted place in the spiritual family of Christ. She is both Jesus’ biological mother and the perfect example of a faithful disciple, having fully submitted to the will of God through her “fiat” (Lk 1:38). As the Catechism teaches, “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it” (CCC 964). She is honored as the Mother of the Church, a title that reflects her intimate connection to the entire family of believers.
A Broader Kinship: Family in Christ
Jesus’ teaching in this passage challenges us to rethink our understanding of family. While we should honor and cherish our biological families, Jesus invites us to recognize that through faith, we are part of an even greater family – the family of God. As John 1:12-13 explains, “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” This spiritual kinship, born not of blood or human will, but of God, transcends the limitations of earthly relationships.
This teaching calls us to view our fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. It prompts us to ask ourselves: How can we better treat those in our faith community as true family members? Are there ways we can extend our spiritual kinship to embrace more of God’s children?
In conclusion, the passage from Matthew 12:47-50 invites us to embrace a broader understanding of family – one that is defined by faith and obedience to God rather than blood. Jesus affirms that all who follow Him are part of His spiritual family, offering us the profound gift of kinship with Him and with one another. Let us cherish this sacred relationship and strive to live in harmony with God’s will, united as one family in Christ.
Reflection
As members of God’s family, we are called to prioritize doing His will. This passage invites us to reflect on how we are living out our call to be disciples of Christ. Are we, like Mary, willing to submit our lives to God’s plan, even when it requires personal sacrifice? Jesus’ words challenge us to deepen our commitment to our spiritual family and to recognize the bond we share with all who follow God’s will.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting us into your family through faith. Help us to see all believers as our brothers and sisters in you. May we grow in love for our spiritual family and seek to do your Father’s will each day. Grant us the grace to live as true members of your family, reflecting your love to the world around us. Like Mary, may we always say “yes” to your divine plan, trusting in your wisdom and love. Amen.
12:48-50 “But he replied to the man who told him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'”
At first glance, this passage may seem as though Jesus is disregarding his earthly family, particularly his mother, Mary. However, the Catholic interpretation reveals a more profound meaning. Rather than diminishing the significance of his familial ties, Jesus is extending the concept of family to encompass all those who follow the will of God.
Spiritual Bonds Over Blood Relations
In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, family ties were of utmost importance. One’s identity, status, and social connections were deeply rooted in their family. However, Jesus uses this moment to teach a radical new truth: in the Kingdom of God, spiritual kinship transcends biological relationships. By declaring that “whoever does the will of my Father is my brother, and sister, and mother,” Jesus emphasizes that obedience to God’s will is what defines true family.
This teaching does not diminish the importance of Mary, his mother, or his blood relatives. On the contrary, Mary exemplifies the ideal disciple, as seen in her words, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Mary, through her perfect submission to God’s will, is not only Jesus’ biological mother but also the model of what it means to be part of the spiritual family of God.
Mary as the Model Disciple
Far from being sidelined, Mary is exalted in this passage as the ultimate disciple. Her unwavering faith and obedience make her the foremost example of one who “does the will of the Father.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Christian family is an “image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit” (CCC 2205). Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is both part of this divine communion and an example for all who follow Christ. Her role as the Mother of God and her submission to God’s plan underscore her place at the heart of the spiritual family Jesus describes.
The Church as the Family of God
The foundation for the Church’s identity as the family of God is rooted in this teaching. St. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 2:19 when he says, “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Through baptism, Christians are adopted into God’s family, becoming brothers and sisters in Christ, united by faith and the pursuit of God’s will.
The Catechism reinforces this idea by emphasizing that spiritual relationships are not confined to natural kinship but extend to all who follow the path of Christ (CCC 2233). As Christians, we are called to live out our faith within the family of the Church, where the bond of faith is stronger than even the closest blood relations. This is a powerful reminder that our ultimate loyalty is to God and His will, above all earthly ties.
Historical Context: A Radical Shift
For Jesus’ Jewish audience, this was a groundbreaking concept. Family and clan ties were foundational in their society. To suggest that spiritual obedience to God should take precedence over these ties was a radical shift in understanding. Yet, Jesus was not diminishing the importance of family but rather calling for a reorientation of priorities. In the Kingdom of God, it is faithfulness to God’s will that takes precedence.
A Message for Today
For modern Christians, this passage challenges us to broaden our understanding of family. The Church is not merely a place where we gather; it is our spiritual family. We are called to love, support, and serve our fellow Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ. This teaching also challenges us to reflect on how we live out God’s will in our lives. Are we prioritizing our relationship with God? Are we living as true members of His spiritual family?
In a world where families can sometimes be a source of division, this passage offers a vision of unity, where all are welcome into the family of God through faith and obedience.
In conclusion, the passage of Matthew 12:48-50 calls us to a higher understanding of what it means to belong to God’s family. Jesus is not rejecting his earthly family but instead expanding the definition to include all who follow God’s will. Mary remains the model disciple, embodying complete faithfulness to God’s plan, and through our faith in Christ, we too are adopted into this spiritual family. Let us strive to live out this calling in our daily lives, united with one another in our pursuit of God’s will.
Reflection
As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider how we live as members of God’s family. Are we obedient to the Father’s will, just as Jesus calls us to be? Are we treating our fellow believers with the love and respect due to members of our spiritual family? These are important questions that challenge us to deepen our relationship with God and with each other.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for welcoming us into Your family through Jesus Christ. Help us to always seek and do Your will, that we may live as true brothers and sisters in Christ. Strengthen our commitment to love, serve, and support one another, reflecting the unity and love of Your family. May we, like Mary, respond to Your call with faith and obedience. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Matthew 12:46-50 calls us to a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of Jesus’ true family. By emphasizing that those who do the will of the Father are His brother, sister, and mother, Jesus redefines the concept of family, extending it beyond blood relations to include all who follow God’s will. This spiritual kinship calls us to prioritize our relationship with God above earthly ties, while also recognizing the importance of community within the Church. Jesus’ words invite us to live as members of His divine family, united by faith and love in pursuit of God’s plan.
As Christians, this passage challenges us to reflect on our own commitment to God’s will and our relationships with others in the Body of Christ. It reminds us that through our faith and obedience, we become true members of God’s family. Like Mary, the perfect disciple who embraced God’s will with unwavering faith, we too are called to respond to His call with trust and devotion. By doing so, we participate in the spiritual family of Christ, bound together by love and a shared mission to serve and follow Him.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your family through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to always seek and follow Your will, so that we may live as true members of Your spiritual family. Strengthen our faith, and guide us in our journey to love and support one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Like Mary, may we always say “yes” to Your plan for our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.