Family

“Woman, behold your son.”

Christ’s relational provision for his mother reveals the new community the cross creates.

. . . but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
John 19:25–27

Family. We all have one.
Jesus, God Incarnate, also had a human family he called his own. Scripture provides few details about his boyhood, but we know he was fully human and experienced things first-century Jewish boys would. Like any young boy spending time with his friends, we can imagine him carving wood, wrestling, and exploring. He knew the stability of weekly Sabbath dinners, the traditions of annual holidays, and a sense of belonging from his Jewish heritage.

Family. God’s gift.
He grew to manhood and, in an act of obedience, hung on the cross. Mary and John stood at his feet. The clock was ticking. His death was near, and Jesus made two remarkable statements. A hush would soon fall, but at this moment, perhaps Mary and John strained to hear him above the din. What was he saying? With his last words spoken to his mother and his beloved disciple before his death, he broadened the meaning of family to include spiritual family—for those who call him Lord.

How extraordinary! Without diminishing natural families, he gave us what we would need to walk as Christ-followers in a broken world. Imperfect men and women who would speak truth to us, stand with us in faith, encourage us, and even weep with us. A people with whom we could experience his love and build his kingdom, using the grace and gifts the Father has given us.

Together. Spiritual family. God’s gift.
Hymnist John Fawcett captured the strength of community we experience together in his hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.”

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

Reflection

Jesus broadened the concept of family to include spiritual relationships without diminishing natural family ties. In what ways do you find it challenging or rewarding to balance commitments to your natural family and your spiritual family? How can you improve in nurturing both?

Application

Identify someone in your spiritual family who may need support. Commit to spending time with them, offering assistance, and praying with and for them.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of family. We are grateful for our natural families and the love and support they provide. We also thank you for our spiritual family and the community of believers you placed in our lives. Help us to cherish and nurture these relationships, recognizing them as your provision for us to walk faithfully in this world.

Jesus showed us the importance of caring for one another, even in his final moments. Teach us to look beyond our immediate circles and extend our love and care to those within our spiritual family. May we quickly support, encourage, and stand together in faith, just as you intended.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.