THE FAMILY OF GOD

“For whosoever shall do
the will of my Father which
is in heaven, the same is my brother,
and sister, and mother.”
(Matthew 12:50)
King James Version

Have you ever heard the saying, “Blood is thicker than water?” This common English idiom means that family relationships are stronger than others. People in the same family have the same blood while friendships and even marriage are chosen relationships. Obviously, Jesus did not get the memo.
While teaching one day, Jesus’ mother and brothers came and desired to speak with him. Of course, those around interrupted his teaching to let him know that his family wanted to speak with him. Jesus responded in a very interesting manner. He asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brethren?” He answered his own question when he spread his hands toward his disciples and made a qualifying statement. His family was only those who did the will of His father in heaven. To be sure, his ‘blood’ relatives may have taken great offense to his statements.
Upon further contemplation of his statement, we find that when we are born into the family of God, John 1:13 says, we “were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” So, those who are in the family of God are born by the water
spirit, and the precious blood of Jesus Christ (John 3:5).
Basically, Jesus is saying those who are truly born of God will obey the commands of the Father. Jesus says, “being born by my blood and obeying my Father is thicker than human DNA blood. Obedience to the will of the Father is the proof that you are part of the family of God.”
We honor our familial relationships and even can be proud of our heritage, color, race, and creed. However, none of these trump being part of the royal family of God. Our citizenship in the family of God is what defines us. Luke 14:26 says, "If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.”
The blood of Jesus and obedience to His will unites millions from different backgrounds and across cultural, ethnic, and racial boundaries. Today, pray for the whole family of God. Encourage a brother or sister in Christ to continue to walk in obedience and enjoy the true fellowship of the spirit in the family.