#53 Jesus' Mother and Brethren Seek Him

#53 Jesus’ Mother and Brethren Seek Him

Please first read: Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

“And he gave them charge concerning her, (Mary) saying, I go my way, for my Father hath sent me. And whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (JST Mathew 12:44) 

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie:

“Jesus had brothers and sisters who were the offspring of Joseph and Mary. Regarding Mary, the plain meaning of a host of scriptures is that she bore Joseph’s children, children who were the half-brothers and half-sisters of the Son of God. (Matthew 12:46) Jesus had more than one sister and at least four brothers – James, Joses (Joseph), Simon and Judas. (Matthew 13:55) These children lived with Mary and were regarded by the people as members of her family.”

(John 2:12; 7: 3)

“They seem to have been jealous of Jesus and may not have believed in his divine Sonship until after the resurrection. (Mark 3:21; 6: 3-4; John 7:5) None of his brothers were included in the original Twelve, but they seem to have been converted after the resurrection by his appearance to James. (1 Corinthians 15:7) Thereafter they associated themselves with the disciples. (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5) One of them, James, was later called to the apostleship.” (Galatians 1:19)

“Apparently the message that his mother and his brethren sought audience with Jesus caused another woman (undoubtedly herself a mother) to speak these words of praise for Mary. With them Jesus agreed. But then he taught that it is not motherhood of itself, but obedience to the word of God, that brings blessings.” (Luke 11:27-28)   

“Jesus here comments that Mary and his brothers are members of his literal earthly family, and he, as the eldest son, gives directions as to what the others should do in caring for their mother. The clear inference is that Joseph was dead and hence the sons of Mary were attending to her needs. Then he reminds them that though they have the same mother, yet God is his Father and that he must continue about his Father’s business.” (JST Matthew 13:44)  

We remember that years earlier Jesus told his mother. “I must be about my Fathers business” and so again now. This was a golden opportunity to preach the Gospel and make the point that if, after we hear the ‘word,’ we ‘do it,’ we become part of Jesus’ family. The terms for mother and brethren are here used figuratively and thus by doing what Jesus teaches we become his Spiritual kinsmen. (Luke 8:19-21) 

Mary and some other family members may have been genuinely concerned for Jesus’ health because of his ongoing and untiring efforts in healing and teaching the throngs of people; trying to get him to rest for a while. (Mark 3:31-35) The Jewish culture engendered a strong emphasis on filial responsibility, (Exodus 20:12) but the scriptures also related instances where severing allegiance and family ties was a necessary choice in following God. (Exodus 32:8-9) Those in attendance would watch with interest to see how Jesus would react to the calls of his family. It was a good opportunity for Jesus to emphasize that those who do the will of God thus become part of God’s family; and without negatively impacting his earthly mother and siblings. The Greek structure and use of the nouns brother, sister, and mother are again figurative, and allow for Jesus to ‘know’ others in that same relationship.

Jesus’ mother, brothers and sister(s) were outside (or on the edge of the crowd.) The Greek record indicates that they were trying to find a way into the house in order to speak to him. The press of the crowd was such that the house and entrance passageways were all filled with people. Jesus’ response shows no lack of respect for his family. He is merely going on with the work God his Father has sent him to do. Everyone who believes in him and does what he says (the will of the Father) becomes encircled in the family of the Father and the Son. The emphasis here is on doing, not just hearing. (Matthew 12:46-50)  

The Twelve and others who are working and traveling with Jesus are receiving this message in various wordings over and over in testimonies by the Savior. What a glorious experience!

Glenn R. McGettigan

April 2016

References:  

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.” McConkie:

“Mortal Messiah.” Volume 2. McConkie     

“Jesus the Christ.” Talmage

“The Four Gospels.” Ludlow

“The Biblical Commentary – Matthew, Mark, and Luke.”