We find in God’s Word that those counted as brothers and sisters are the ones who understand and live out the Word of God daily. In other words, they are the ones who will become members of the family of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus Himself said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Then 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” (Matt. 12:48-50).
When Jesus was on the cross, He saw His mother. But He did not entrust Mary to His own brothers, but to John, His disciple. This illustrates the reality of the spiritual family that transcends bloodlines.
Many people, when it comes to family, act without limit—spending recklessly. But when it comes to God’s work, they count every cost. Money can be poured out in abundance for the family. Many parents are proud when their children graduate from overseas universities, work in large companies, achieve high positions, or establish their own businesses. Yet in reality, they may be leading their children into hell. They are not bringing their children into the Kingdom of Heaven, nor guiding them in God’s ways. They only think their children will be happy if they are highly educated. But without knowledge of the truth, children perish. Let us think about this!
Remember, the eternal inheritance is the knowledge of God and the fear of the Lord. That is what keeps children safe forever—not only during their time on earth, but for eternity. Therefore, we must think with the proper perspective, as children of God. Had humanity never fallen into sin, everyone would have cared for one another, not only their own families. No one would have built a “family kingdom” as though it were a trustworthy source of happiness.
We can imagine how difficult it must have been for Jesus’ mother and brothers to approach Him. It might have seemed as though Jesus did not honor His mother or siblings when He asked, “Who is My mother? Who are My brothers?” Mary could have felt offended or unappreciated. Yet Jesus was making it clear: those who do the will of the Father are His true family. As written in Romans 8:28-29: “Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Who are they? Those who do the Father’s will.
Therefore, let us compel ourselves to do the will of the Father. There is nothing more valuable in this life than doing the will of God. And the standard of doing the Father’s will is death: putting to death the flesh, putting to death selfishness, putting to death the old self, and this is the proper standard of doing the Father’s will.
For some, this may feel far beyond reach. But if we dare to discipline ourselves, we will surely be able to do it. We are not yet perfect, but we still have the opportunity to change—and we must be willing to change. Whoever does the will of the Father is counted as a brother or sister of Jesus. Isn’t that extraordinary? Who would not want this?
This is the good news: we do not pay with money or wealth, but with obedience to the Father’s will. Of course, there are also false brothers and sisters. Not all professing Christians are truly brothers or members of the family of the Kingdom of Heaven. With such people, we must not bind ourselves simply because of blood ties. For example, if they are the children of our deceased siblings, we may feel obligated to support them without limit. We forget that love for others has boundaries, but love for God has no boundaries.
The Lord said, “Anyone who loves their brother or sister more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Our love for anyone else has limits, but our love for God must be limitless.