PER137

The true family of the Messiah Jesus

This article explores how Jesus redefines the concept of family, focusing his discourse on the importance of spiritual bonds over blood ties, as illustrated by his words in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

6 min family Jesus Messiah teachings 7 verses 4 books

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Biblical texts

Matthew

Matthew 12.46-50 (King James Version)

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

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?

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Mark

Mark 3.31-35 (King James Version)

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Luke

Luke 8.19-21 (King James Version)

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.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

John

John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Place: Near the house in Capernaum in Galilee.

Date: October or November AD31

Method: We switch to Mark

Note on the method: Although Matthew and Luke address the same theme, the chronology presented by Mark seems the easiest for us to follow.

Through the teachings of the Messiah Jesus, we learn of the establishment of a new family structure.

The true family of the Messiah Jesus

Comments

This is the second reference to the family of the Messiah Jesus (PER121 : The testimony of the family of the Messiah Jesus). This time, they do not express direct opposition, but simply wish to speak to him (John 7.5).

It is clear that the family of the Messiah Jesus shows a constant interest in his journey, frequently being present at various significant events.

Joseph is probably not mentioned because he had died. At that time, fatal workplace accidents were common. According to our estimates, he would have been about fifty years old.

The Messiah Jesus is so much in demand from the crowd that he does not even have time to eat his meals or meet his family (Mark 10.31). Although the may voice this criticism, Jesus, aware of their thoughts, explains that his true family consists of those who follow and apply his teachings.

This statement by Jesus is particularly significant, given that at that time the family played a central role and family solidarity was crucial to the survival of many Jews.

Matthew 10.37-39 highlights the precedence of love for God over love for loved ones. Jesus emphasizes that his true family consists of those who do God's will, stressing the importance of spiritual bonds over ties of the flesh. This is not about neglecting family responsibilities but about establishing clear priorities.

It is also possible that his family members, seeing the growing success of their half-brother, seek to benefit from his influence because of their family ties. He will declare that the only way to obtain divine favor is to become disciples, which is possible only by doing God's will (Matthew 7.21).

La vraie famille du Messie Jésus. Cet article explore comment Jésus redéfinit le concept de famille, centrant son discours sur l'importance du lien spirituel par rapport aux liens de sang, comme illustré par ses paroles dans Matthieu, Marc et Luc. Commentaires. Il s'agit de la deuxième référence à la famille du Messie Jésus (PER121 : Le témoignage de la famille du Messie Jésus). Cette fois, elle ne se manifeste pas dans une opposition directe, mais exprime simplement le souhait de lui parler (Jean 7, verset 5). Il est évident que la famille du Messie Jésus manifeste un intérêt constant pour son parcours, en étant fréquemment présente lors de divers événements significatifs. Il est probable que Joseph ne soit pas mentionné en raison de son décès. À cette époque, les accidents de travail mortels étaient fréquents. Selon nos estimations, il aurait eu environ cinquante ans. Le Messie Jésus est si sollicité par la foule qu’il n’a même pas le temps de prendre ses repas ou de rencontrer sa famille (Marc 10, verset 31). Bien que les pharisiens puissent formuler cette critique, Jésus, conscient de leurs pensées, précise que sa véritable famille est constituée de ceux qui suivent et appliquent ses enseignements. Cette déclaration de Jésus revêt une importance particulière, étant donné que, à cette époque, la famille jouait un rôle central et que la solidarité familiale était cruciale pour la survie de nombreux Juifs. Matthieu 10, versets 37 à 39 met en lumière la prééminence de l'amour pour Dieu sur celui des proches. Jésus souligne que sa véritable famille est constituée de ceux qui accomplissent la volonté de Dieu, en insistant sur l'importance du lien spirituel par rapport au lien charnel. Il ne s'agit pas de négliger les responsabilités familiales, mais de définir des priorités claires. Il est également possible que les membres de sa famille, constatant le succès croissant de leur demi-frère, cherchent à bénéficier de son influence en raison de leurs liens familiaux. Il déclarera que la seule manière d'obtenir la faveur divine est de devenir des disciples, ce qui n'est réalisable qu'en accomplissant la volonté de Dieu (Matthieu 7, verset 21).