A New Family 

As Jesus creates His new community of followers, He encounters tension with His biological family. Lent is a time to solidify our commitment to doing the will of our heavenly Father, even when it conflicts with what our families want.

From an Africa Study Bible touch point:

Family is important in our continent. It provides a sense of identity and a support system. It is the foundation to our community life. In Africa, the concept of family is broader than in the West. It includes not only parents and siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, but also all who share the same clan name. It even extends to include friends of a biological family in some communities. The emotional attachment to family is strong and family influences such things as your choice of work, marriage partner, and religion. 

But Jesus defined a Christian’s family as those who are related through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referring to a new family that is not defined by biology or tradition but by a commitment to doing God’s will. All Jesus's disciples are part of this family. So these spiritual relationships should surpass in value our other earthly relationships. This fact should elevate our attitudes and interactions we have with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Doing God’s will is more important than any other allegiance or obligation. It is even more important than your biological family. 

When we fail to understand things this way, we lack the true love and unity that Christ expects in His church. Fighting for personal and family interests above the interests of the Christian community causes quarrels among us. Let us obey Christ by considering the Christian family as true and important relatives. 

Today: 

Have you or one of your friends experienced rejection by family members because of your faith in Jesus? Allow yourself to experience this rejection with grief. Know that Jesus has experienced this suffering with us. Take comfort in knowing that as Christians we have a new and greater family in the church. If you like, encourage your friend with this comfort today.