19 ¶ Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. (Luke 8:19-21)

I often had troubles understanding this little incident because it seemed like Jesus was almost disowning his family or making a statement that his followers were his family instead. However, recently I realized what Jesus was trying to teach.

Jesus didn’t want His disciples or followers to get the idea that only those in His immediate family could get his undivided attention immediately. He didn’t want people to think that only His family could be guaranteed they would take priority with Him. He wanted to show that everyone who heard the word of God and obeyed had just as much priority with Him as His mother and brothers.

That is a comforting message about the love and care of God for each of us. It teaches us that God’s love isn’t a narrow thing; rather, it is expansive in scope. It stretches over both space and time. What a wonderful thing that Christ is willing to consider us His Family and just as worthy of His attention because we hear the word of God and do it! And we have just as much priority with Him now as the saints did in His day.
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