Are You a Part of the Family?

 N.T.#539 "Are You a Part of the Family?"

April 29, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

How important is your family? Are you shunning them if they are not believers in Jesus? We should be a witness to them of our faith and show them the love of Jesus. 

Where Jesus and His disciples were, Jesus' family showed up. (verse 20) His blood-relatives wanted to talk to Jesus. 

Do we tend to forget that Jesus had siblings and a family back home in Nazareth? I do. Mary and Joseph had a good-sized family by today's standards. According to Mark 6:3, He had 4 half- brothers (James, Joses, Juda, and Simon) and sisters (unknown number).

Jesus' half-brothers didn't believe in Him until after His resurrection. Look at who or what they became in the spiritual world. James became a leader in the Jerusalem church and wrote the book bearing his name. Jude (Judas) wrote the last New Testament epistle. We deduct that their faith and commitment. Jesus had at least 2 sisters, for the word is plural.

LET IT GROW

With that said, Mary and her sons came to speak with Jesus. He didn't downplay their importance, yet Jesus stressed the more important relationships were in the spiritual realm. Those believing in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior was why Jesus was here to teach them.

Jesus recognized that a prophet is without honor in his own country, kin, and house. He didn't disrespect His family but emphasized the supremacy and eternality of spiritual relationship/ After all, even His own family needed Jesus as Savior. (John 7:5) (MacArthur)

Jesus' true family is comprised of those who hear and obey His words. (verse 21)

Are you one of God's children.? Have you come to Jesus through faith, asked His forgiveness, and made Him Lord of your life?

According to Paul in Romans 8:16-17, when we do so. we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus. 

What a thought-being a part of the family of God! One day you and I will meet in heaven and discuss life. How great it is have spiritual brothers and sisters.

LET IT GO

I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. I'm so glad to be a part of the family of God!