Some friends are closer than relatives. There are ties deeper and stronger than family bloodlines. We elevate those who share our worldviews and values. That’s what Jesus did. His Friends and Family list is open to you.

A friend in the Atlanta, Georgia area is a master at making friends, new and old, feel at home. The wifi is labeled FRAMILY, a neat contraction of Friends and Family. Small signs are posted in strategic locations welcoming guests to ask for whatever they need and instructing them to relinquish any anxiety associated with visiting someone’s home. 

Jesus’ family showed up to see him. They couldn’t get to him due to the crowd. Jesus was notified. Here is his response:

“My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

To many people, this sounds demeaning. It feels like he was dismissing his family. That’s one way of looking at it. What’s another?

Try this alternative: Jesus elevated everyone to the level of family who heard and obeyed God. 

We have noted regularly and recently that the most important lesson we will ever learn, and the most important lesson we will ever teach, is how to hear and obey God. This brings us into the deepest connection with our Father in heaven. 

When Jesus gave the model prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13, he began, “Our Father.” He welcomes us into the family. He welcomes us into the communion of perfect love he has with our Father in heaven. 

Jesus didn’t put down his family, especially not his mother. Jesus elevated anyone, including you, who wants to know him as more than a casual acquaintance. He wants you to be part of his family. 

Welcome home!

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I will join Jesus in welcoming his friends into the family.

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Our Father, thank you for the open invitation to enjoy deeply satisfying relationships without fear and anxiety. Thank you for welcoming us home. Amen.