What Jesus Did! 'True Family' — Luke 8:19-21

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Jesus' mother and brothers came to visit him. There were so many people that Jesus' mother and brothers could not get close to him. Someone said to Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside. They want to see you." Jesus answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those people that listen to God's teaching and obey it!"
— Luke 8:19-21 NLT
Illustration of Luke 8:19-21 NLT — "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside. They want to see you." —— "My mother and my brothers are those people that listen to God's teaching and obey it!"

Key Thought

You can be a part of Jesus' true family! You can be Jesus' brother or sister! God presented this gift to us as his way of grace. The word grace actually has two meanings wrapped up into one word. Grace means an undeserved gift as well as having in mind the thankful response to that gift. We are made God's children by God's grace, and our initial response of faith is illustrated through our baptism (Gal. 3:26-29). Then, we are to be obedient to what God has taught us in Jesus, showing we are God's children by our behavior—this is Jesus' point in this statement. It is God's grace, not our obedience that makes us his children. Our obedience is the genuine response of our thanks to his grace. It shows we are part of the family because of the character we reveal. So what does your life show? Are you living out the grace you have received? Does the character of the Father shine through your behavior? Do you show you are part of Jesus' family by how you live?

Today's Prayer

Father of mercy and grace, how can I thank you enough for the incredible gift of grace you have given me in Jesus? I know I can't ever fully show my appreciation, but please accept my heartfelt intention to joyously obey the teachings of your Son and my heartfelt commitment to reflect your holy character and compassion in all that I do and say. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-29
  • Ephesians 2:8-10
  • James 2:19-23

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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