All About Family (3/5/2023)

Jesus and His Final Words: Lived Out - All About Family (John 19:25-27 & Matthew 12:46-50)

Of all the sayings on the cross, this is the one that feels most remote to us. Sure, we get that Jesus is taking care of his Mom. That was the duty of the oldest son. He was a good son. But this is so much more than housekeeping instructions. Jesus has radically redefined family.  The family journey with Jesus had its bumps in the road. Remember when his mother and brothers all thought Jesus was out of his mind, and they came to get him? Matthew 12:46-50. Mark tells it a little differently - in the preceding verse, just before telling that story about Jesus, in Mark 3:30, there were some who were... "saying 'He's possessed by an evil spirit." In other words, Jesus, you've lost your mind. Jesus uses that moment to redefine family. He broadened the definition of mother and brother - to include you and me. He opened the door of family and invited us in. No matter the journey you have been on - no matter how family may have stung you - no matter the depth of disappointment or wound - there is a family that awaits you. Jesus invites you to the family.