in this passage, we see Jesus answer in a way that is unexpected.
Luke 8:19-21
19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Do you ever stop and think about the global church of believers? Sure not everyone is going to look the same, or speak the same as you, but in his mercy Jesus has called people from all nations to come and follow Him.
In this passage, we see that what is important to Jesus is not physical relationships, but spiritual relationships.
When we gather together with God’s people at church on Sunday, it is a foretaste of heaven, when we will all be gathered around the throne worshipping God forever.
If you find yourself easily finding ways to avoid church, have you stopped to consider why? My heart sinks when I look around on a Sunday and see people ‘missing in action’. I get it that things crop up from time to time but can I plea with you please to put Jesus and time with His people first in priority as you plan out your week.
Head: is there one or more relationship with someone that you value so much that it’s getting in the way of time with God’s people and time in His word?
Heart: how are you going at loving God’s people?
Hands: do you need to change your weekly schedule to make more time for God’s people and time in His word?
Prayer: pray for the Cross-Cultural Connect worker that your Growth Group has partnered with. If you’re not in a Growth Group, or if you’re in group but not sure who to pray for, why not pray for the teaching staff at the church service you visit? They are ‘on mission’ for Jesus in your community.
A song to listen to: Taggin’ along with Jesus
Oliver Meehan- Creek Road Presbyterian Church- Carina
