What does Matthew 12:48 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 12:48 poses a provocative question from Jesus about the nature of family and spiritual kinship.

While he was speaking to the crowd, Jesus was told that His mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak with Him.

In response, instead of acknowledging them by blood relation, Jesus questions who truly constitutes His mother and brothers.

This response is not a denial of His biological family, but rather a redefinition of familial relationships in a spiritual context.

It emphasizes that the bonds of discipleship and spiritual alignment with God's will are as strong as (or even stronger than) the traditional family ties by blood.

Jesus further emphasizes this by stretching His hands towards His disciples, indicating that those who follow the will of God are His true family.

Historical Context

The verse is set in a period when Jesus was actively preaching and teaching in Galilee, often drawing large crowds.

At this time, family relationships were central to Jewish social structure and identity.

To question this social order would have been radical and countercultural.

The historical context here is critical because Jesus' questioning of these established norms would have been viewed as controversial and indicative of His message that spiritual connection transcends traditional kinship.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant for several reasons:

1. Believers as family: It indicates that Jesus places spiritual kinship above biological relationships.

The family of God consists of those who obey Him, signifying the inclusive nature of God's family that is open to all, regardless of ancestry.

1. New community: For early Christians, this teaching would underscore the establishment of a new community based on shared faith rather than lineage, a core concept in Christian ecclesiology.

2. True Discipleship: It serves to show what it means to be a true disciple of Christ.

True discipleship involves following the will of God and sometimes making sacrifices in other areas of life.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by:

1. Defining family inclusively: Viewing fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ, leading to a more close-knit and supportive community within churches and Christian groups.

2. Priority of spiritual commitments: Prioritizing one's spiritual commitments when they conflict with familial expectations or societal norms.

3. Widening our circle: Encouraging inclusivity and extending our care to those beyond our immediate family, serving and loving them as Christ taught.

Cross-References

• Mark 3:35 – "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
• Luke 8:21 – "And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."
• John 15:14 – "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
• Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words to analyze include:

1. Μήτηρ (Mētēr) – Typically translated as "mother," this word signifies not only the biological relationship but also bears traditional connotations of nurturing and closeness.

2. ἀποκριθεὶς (apokritheis) – This word, translated as "answered," denotes a response or rebuttal, which implies that Jesus is intentionally reframing the conversation around spiritual family.

3. ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) – Translated as "brethren" or "brothers," it suggests a close kinship, which Jesus redefines as those who do the will of God rather than blood relatives.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient religions and mythologies similarly have concepts of a chosen family or community bound by common beliefs or rituals.

In the Greco-Roman tradition, for instance, mystery religions often emphasized the initiates as a family with a spiritual connection that transcended bloodlines.

The idea that one's true family could be constituted of those who share spiritual commitments rather than only those who share bloodline is thus not unique to Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not directly engage with verses like this one, as their focus is on spiritual, rather than material reality.

However, modern psychology does acknowledge the significance of forming bonds with a wider community, which can include non-biological relationships that provide emotional and social support, much like a family does.

commentaries

Commentaries from experts on this verse are diverse:

1. John Calvin: He emphasized the idea that Jesus was not showing disregard for His family but was using the occasion to teach that spiritual bonds are more significant than fleshly ties.

2. Matthew Henry: He wrote about the benefits of being in Christ's spiritual family, remarking on the privileges and duties that come with such a relationship.

3. William Barclay: He suggested that in this moment, Jesus was stressing the universal nature of His message and that the family of Jesus is open to all who choose to be part of it.

Each of these commentaries highlights different facets of the theological and moral implications understood from Jesus' rhetorical question in Matthew 12:48.