Embracing Our True Identity
As Jesus ministered to the crowd, a familiar scene unfolded. His mother and brothers stood outside, eager to converse with Him. But Jesus’ response was unexpected. When informed of their presence, He asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then, pointing to His disciples, He declared, “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” (Matthew 12:46-50, NLT)
The Allure of Exclusivity
We all crave a sense of belonging, a feeling of being part of something special. This desire drives us to join clubs, secret societies, and associations, seeking a unique identity that sets us apart from the rest. But what happens when our desire for exclusivity clashes with our faith?
A Lesson in Humility
In this poignant moment, Jesus’ immediate family attempted to pull rank on the larger group He was addressing. They expected priority treatment, hoping He would interrupt His message to attend to their needs. Instead, Jesus seized the opportunity to teach a valuable lesson: His family extends far beyond His nuclear family, and every member has equal priority. This realization should fill us with gratitude and humility.
Our Privileged Position
As followers of Christ, we are part of His immediate family, with the same level of significance as Mary, His mother, and His earthly brothers. Our requests are heard with equal importance, and we have the privilege of walking in God’s will. This privilege is not limited to a select few; it is available to all who put their faith in Him.
A Testament to Humility
One of Jesus’ brothers, James, would go on to become a respected leader in the early church, authoring the New Testament book of James. Yet, when introducing himself, he chose to identify as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1), rather than highlighting his familial connection to Jesus. James recognized that his position was not secured by birth, but by rebirth into God’s family through faith. This same truth applies to each of us.
Remaining Humble
As we bask in the privilege of being part of Christ’s family, how can we maintain a humble heart? What practices can we adopt to ensure that our identity is rooted in our faith, rather than our earthly relationships or accomplishments?
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