Devotions Inspired by the Fresh Start BibleSample

On the Outside Looking In

By Sion Alford

I must admit that when I read the verses in Matthew 12:46–50, I was a bit troubled. How could the Son of God have such harsh words for those closest to Him? His mother, Mary, and His brothers must have been shocked at Jesus’ response to their request to speak with Him.      

Imagine it—Jesus was rejecting His family while describing His friends as His true family! It all seems extremely contrary to the nature and character of Jesus. How could this be? 

In this story, Jesus used a teaching tool that He used often throughout Scripture to bring light to an important truth. As Matthew 12:46 tells us, Jesus was in the middle of speaking to the crowd when He was interrupted by their request. He turned their request into a sermon illustration and used the comparison as a way to communicate an important truth! 

Jesus was not suggesting that we reject our family for the mission of the gospel. He was not commanding us to forget those closest to us so we can pursue our dreams and our calling. He was revealing that our obedience to the will of God is the most important thing we can do as members of God’s family! The extent of His comparison should give us clues to the importance of this truth. 1 John 2:5 tells us that “those who obey God’s Word truly show how completely they love Him.” In other words, when we love God, we can’t help but obey Him. Obedience is so important that Jesus once told His disciples, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing His work.” (John 4:34). 

Have you ever felt like you were standing on the outside looking in? Has an intimate relationship with God felt like something that others had special privilege to while you struggle with it? Learn from Jesus’ words to us that His true family are those who obey the will of the Father. Allow your love for God to lead you to the most important thing you can do—obey His will. 

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for making me a part of Your family. Today I will choose to obey the will of the Father as I draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28–30