After Mary had given birth to the Redeemer Jesus Christ... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

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.
Luke 8:19-21

After Mary had given birth to the Redeemer Jesus Christ, she had four more son and several daughters. When Jesus began His public ministry, His brothers did not believe in Him as the Son of God at first. Later, after Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension to heaven, they were counted among His disciples. (cf. Matthew 13:35; John 7:5; Acts 1:14).
Why did they come to Him on this occasion? Were they concerned because of the critical observation of the leaders of the people? The Lord made it clear that the Word of God gave Him the central place. He would not be hindered from preaching the Word of God. Jesus stressed additionally that there was a relationship that went deeper than any natural family relationship. Whoever heard the Word of God received it in his heart and acted accordingly was closely connected with the Son of God.
The words of Jesus contained no sense of rejection, they were rather a reprimand for Mary. She had received God's pronouncement concerning His Son in faith. And at the cross, we see the loving care Jesus had for His mother (cf. Luke 1:38; 2:19; John 19:25-27). For the surrounding crown and His own brothers, the Lord had to clarify what was decisive for a living relationship with Him: hearing the Word of God and acting accordingly.
Today's reading: 1 Kings 15:9-24