Theme: DIALOGUE
Text: “Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?” – Matthew 12:47, 48.
Comment: While our Lord Jesus Christ was teaching and explaining the word of God to the people, a message from somebody elicited a sharp rebuke from him as stated in the text for today. This reaction from our Saviour Christ shows that we should uphold the truth at all times, and not allow fleshly concerns to undermine our dedication to the work of God. (Luke 14:26) Dialogue will be fruitful when the goal is to put the name of God and His work above every other consideration. Another occasion which underscores the primacy of the work of God over material concerns was when Martha complained of her sister’s apparent lack of interest in caring for Christ. (Luke 10:40) But the answer of Christ was very clear, “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Verses 41,42) On another occasion he declared, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34. Compare Job 23:12) We should learn to always give priority to spiritual matters. Christ stated, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:37.