CONNECTING POINT: Family Dishonor?

From a casual reading of Luke 8:19-21, one might mistakenly assume that Jesus is harsh or somehow dishonors His family. “Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’”

Luke cites two other occurrences which “seem” even more provocative. In chapter 9 several men expressed interest in following Jesus. Take notice of Christ’s response. “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:58-62).

In Luke 4:25-27 we read, “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.’” Some suggest that Jesus is promoting “hate,” but that notion is an exaggeration.

Did Jesus dishonor His family? For the 1st-century Jew, families were extremely important. Their entire cultures, marriages, businesses, religious and governing practices tied together with their families. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus died early and as the eldest son, Jesus took on the responsibility of leading and caring for the family.

Here are some context points to ponder. One: Our primary loyalty as a Christian should be to God and the principles of the Bible, even before family. Jesus’s intention was to illicit thought, sparking His listeners to establish priorities. In the context (chapter 8) Jesus was asking whether, are you going to have a receptive heart like that of fertile soil or will you reject His teachings?

Two: Other loyalties including those to our family or other relationships will be healthy as we honor God first. There is no dishonor to earthly family, when we put God first. The principle of honoring parents is Biblical (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5) but as Christians, we don’t have to compromise Biblical values when a family member opposes those values. Prioritizing is the key. We can be respectful, for that’s the best way to honor God.

Three: Our loyalty to our spiritual family cannot be forgotten. The “church” of today is facing enormous pressures. Study after study, from Barna to Pew Research reveals that Christianity is declining at a rapid pace in the United States. Some people are disillusioned by an “organized church”, but could that be misguided? If that’s you let me point you back to Jesus, “‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice,’” (verse 21). Jesus interestingly prioritizes the spiritual family as those who follow Biblical principles and live by them. Do you value spiritual family and spend time with them?

Jesus prioritized relationships, keeping God first. Shouldn’t we do the same? When we do other valued relationships fall into place.