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

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn't get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you."

Jesus replied, "My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God's word and obey it."

— Luke 8:19-21 NLT

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. [1] Then, we are to be obedient to what God has taught us in Jesus, showing we are God's children by our behavior — which is Jesus' point in his statement. It is God's grace, not our obedience, that makes us his children. Our obedience is the genuine response of our thanks for his grace. Our obedience shows we are part of God's 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?

[1] Galatians 3:26-29.

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. Please accept my joyous and heartfelt commitment to obey the teachings of your Son as I 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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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:19-21 NLT — "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you." —— "My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God's word and obey it."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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