What If He Really Meant It?
One of the things that often startles me is just how different our modern conceptions of “church” are from what Jesus and His first followers apparently experienced. Radical individualism has swept across our cultural mindset and we are quick to erect barriers, even with those with whom we should be most open and transparent. It is far too common to find people who view church either as a purely individual experience, or as a social club. And it is far too rare to find true, biblical fellowship. Jesus forces us to examine our own relationships:
While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward 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 (Matthew 12:46-50).
Who is your family? Those who do the will of the Father?
- Read Jesus and the Gospels by Craig Blomberg
- Read Jesus the Messiah by Robert Stein
- Read Synopsis of the Four Gospels (English Only) by Kurt Aland
This brings the commmand to honor your father and mother to bear on the church and church relationships.
A interesting short commentary.
Over the last few years, God has impressed upon me the meaning of “church” or as I say now “church community or community of believers.” Why have I added to the meaning of the word we speak?
Because as pointed out, the concept of church now seems to be the place I pop in and out quickly on Sundays when I wake up in time. The lack of real community…….
Oh oh, I’m feeling my own commentary coming. I guess all I can say is, to be continued.
RW Blake