Matthew 12:46-50

Matthew 12:46-50
Most anyone who had been traveling and doing the work that Jesus was doing would have been excited to see their family. Jesus had a different perspective. We see primarily our physical relationship. We love others but rarely in the same way that we love our family. But do we think about the fact that when we come to eternity in heaven the physical relationships of family we had here in this life will not matter? At that point we will only recognize our spiritual relationships and our love for one another will be shared equally. We must learn to apply this principle in how we treat one another as brethren. It is amazing how forgiving a person will be toward one in his own family. Only the most egregious sin will cause a rift in one’s family, and even then, a simple apology will mend the relationship. However, in a spiritual family some of the least mistakes can end in a permanent division. No amount of begging, pleading, or asking for forgiveness will mend the relationship. Do we imagine that when we get to heaven God will make everything right between us? Do we think that He will tolerate this lack of love and forgiveness after He has done so much to love and forgive us? The apostle John clearly revealed to us how God feels about this type of behavior: If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother (1 John 4:20-21).Let’s note one other great lesson. Jesus was not showing disrespect to his mother and brothers. Instead, He was emphasizing that everyone who does the will of His Father would be as close to Him as His mother, brother, or sisters. This should be of great comfort to us. We can be the Lord’s family by obeying God and keeping His commandments. We need not be someone of importance in this life in order to be important to the Lord. We can be brother to the Creator of the universe if we will simply obey His will.
Berry Kercheville