Theme: BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD
Text: “Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” – Luke 8:19-21.
Comment: The brethren of Jesus Christ spoken here are the other children of Mary, some of whose names are given as “James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas … And his sisters…” (Matthew 13:55, 56) From the passage under reference, what Jesus Christ is saying in effect is that a viable relationship with God Almighty is not based on mere sentiments or carnal considerations but on the doing of His will. There is great blessing in being practical Christians. No one can deny the fact that hearing and doing what one hears or learns from the Bible uplifts one’s character, earns one the admiration and respect of godly people and above all, leads to salvation by the grace of God. – Proverbs 21:21; 2 Timothy 3:15.
The text also shows that when the demands or wishes of parents, brothers and sisters go contrary to the will of God, there should be no doubt where our loyalty should lie. Hence our Saviour said: “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. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” – Matthew 10:37-39.