Read
Matthew 12:46 – 50 (NIV)
While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” 

Reflect 
Many of us have a great family and extended family to whom we are very close.  But we can also be a part of other communities that we consider somewhat like family. Some of us are part of a sports team that has been together for many years.  If you are part of a small group, you probably have some very close connections as you have travelled through life together.  My hope would also be that you are part of your church family and that you feel loved and cared for by your church family through the good times and the bad times. 

Jesus gathered a close group of disciples around him who became like family to him. They shared significant, even life changing events and quiet downtimes together. They shared a God-given passion for living in the kingdom of God. And while Jesus no doubt loved his earthly mother and brothers, he loved his community of disciples, followers, and friends as well. 

With whom are you surrounding yourself? What communities are you a part of that are like family to you, loving you unconditionally and supporting you in both good times and bad times? Whom do you share life with? It is important for each of us to have a family around us to do life together. Church should be the kind of place that provides family to one another. 

Pray 
Father, help us find people to share life with as a family community. Amen.