The first in the series on family and marriage, called “Faithful Together”, here we explore the double-edged sword that is having a large, tight-knit, extended family that can be both a big support and a source of control. When Jesus says that whoever does the will of God is his brother or sister or mother, he’s saying that he’s forming a new community based on faithfulness to God, which is an act of grace for those who do not have family support.
Matthew 12:46-50
46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."