Feb 20 You and I: Brothers and Sisters of Jesus.
Hebrews 2:11-13
Memory Verse: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life”.
Gospel Story: Matthew 12:46-50 Jesus is my brother!
Read: Hebrews 2:11-13
11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 12 For he said to God,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”
13 He also said,
“I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.”
Reflection:
Lord, Savior, Friend…. I’ve used those phases often when I speak of Jesus. Today we want to ponder the fact Jesus “pointing to His disciples” calls them His brothers and sisters! He calls us brothers and sisters. Think on that!
We often talk about the family of God. I have to confess, I do have friends that call me “brother” when the greet me…. awkward. It’s more just the Christianese. But I guess i’m going to have to learn how to get comfortable with the phrase. Because Jesus applies it to me.
How do you feel knowing, before Father God, Jesus talks about you as His brother or sister? Jesus grew up in a family. Jesus had real brothers and sisters. Lived with real family “dynamics” (John 7:3-5 / Acts 1:14) just like you and I. And yet He includes us in the family tree. Amazing.
My Lord, my Savior, my friend and now, my “brother”. And He calls me brother. That’s Good News. It takes the relationship to a whole new level. A level I think many of us are grateful for. Like Jesus in the moment in this Gospel story, God provides for us “brothers and sisters in Christ”. In some cases giving us family we never had and always wanted. In other cases we now have a host of aunts and uncles, brothers and sister, …. and the weirdly wonderful mix that God has woven together.
But let’s continue to keep our focus Jesus. And today, I hope you are blessed, being reminded, the in the presence of God and people, Jesus calls you his brother or sister! It’s sweet and glorious.