The Curious Questions Of JesusНамуна

Day 2: Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?  

We are hardwired to do life together, not alone or apart.  A “time-out” is an effective discipline strategy for a child. Why? Because God created us for community.  One of the first things Jesus did when starting His public ministry was to start a small group. To accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him means that you are to follow Him in community, not simply as a lone individual.

We were created for community—but not just any kind of community. We were created for the kind of community that He is making among and through those who desire to know and do His will. When Jesus asks, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” it’s not because He is confused. He is saying that God is creating a new kind of family—made up of anyone who does the will of His Father in heaven. In other words, whether our biological family is great or not-so-great, we are invited to become part of God’s new family. After redefining family by asking these questions, Jesus later prayed for this new family that God is creating. In fact, if you are a follower of Jesus, you can read exactly what Jesus prayed for you in John 17.

What will it take for that kind of community to become a regular part of your life? Find a local church that clearly teaches directly from God’s Word, the Bible. If you are already part of such a community, what is God inviting you to do to build it up and encourage it? It could be that you need to jump in and serve. Maybe God will bring someone to mind who you can call, write, or text to encourage them in their faith in Christ. There are a million ways to experience the joy of the community God created us for, but it begins with making the time today to do so.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for creating me for community. Thank You for the local church. Help me to encourage and build up this new family that You are creating among those who desire to know You and do Your will on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.