19 And there came to him his mother and brethren, and they could
not come at him for the crowd. 20 And it was told him, Thy mother
and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 But he
answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these
that hear the word of God, and do it.
It is only from the other Gospels that we learn the exact nature and
purpose of the visit paid to Jesus by his mother and brethren. Luke does
not reveal the fact that it occasioned one of the most delicate and
difficult dilemmas by which our Lord was ever confronted. The real purpose
of these relatives was to interrupt his work. They feared that his mind
was unbalanced and they wished to take him home. Should Jesus repudiate
them, or should he allow his work needlessly to be interrupted? This
situation Luke does not sketch, but he does state clearly the impressive
message which Jesus found occasion to deliver. When Jesus was told that
these relatives desired to see him, he pointed to his disciples with the
reply, “My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and
do it.” Thus Luke connects this incident with the parable of the Sower
which he has just related. The parable shows the need of careful attention
to the gospel truth, and, according to Luke’s account of this incident,
the same fact is emphasized, namely, the blessed result of heeding the
divine Word. According to the statement of Christ, such obedience to him
and such true discipleship as was shown by his followers results in a
relationship with him more intimate and close than is secured by any human
ties. This spiritual kinship is more vital than any relationship of blood
or of nature. It results in a fellowship, at once blessed and forever
abiding, which is possible for all. The reply of our Lord could not have
offended his brethren even though it did contain a delicate rebuke. Only
those have a right to claim relationship with him who submit to him as
their Lord and are ready to do his will.