JESUS' TRUE FAMILY

Passage: Luke 8:16-21

Key verse: 21

NIV

A Lamp on a Stand

16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.(A) 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.(B) 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”(C)

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers(D)

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers(E) are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”(F)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

A Lamp Under a Jar

16 (A)(B)“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 (C)For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 (D)Take care then how you hear, (E)for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

19 (F)Then his mother and (G)his brothers[a] came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those (H)who hear the word of God and do it.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Listen carefully (16-18)

Jesus himself is the lamp on the stand. He proclaimed the gospel to all who would listen. He was sent by God to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. The secrets of the kingdom were hidden from the world during his lifetime (10). After his death and resurrection, his gospel was made known to all the world. We must listen carefully to God's word and receive it with faith, and obey him. If we do not receive Jesus' word with obedient faith, even the little understanding we thought we had will be taken away.

2. Those who hear and obey the word (19-21)

Even Jesus' human family couldn't perceive the secrets of the kingdom of God. They only saw Jesus with human eyes. Jesus' real family were his disciples. We also can be Jesus' family when we hear God's word and put it into practice.

Prayer: Lord, help me to listen to your word and hold it in my heart. Help me to obey you and be one of your true family.

One Word: Light a lamp; put it on a stand