Bible Reading:
Matthew 12:46-50
46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Devotional:
Mary has been called by some 'the mother of God' but Protestants would rather refer to her as the 'mother of Jesus,' since this term is specific concerning the God-given position she occupied. By grace she was granted to participate in the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity. In Matthew 12 we read an interesting sentiment from the lips of Jesus. He appears to be shedding any claims His mother might have upon Him! He had been subject to her and to Joseph as He was growing up. Now that He has embarked upon His public ministry He wants it known that His relationship to Mary is no different from His relationship to you and to me!
We can suppose that, since Mary was truly a human mother, this pierced her heart as a sword. Mothers often have a real struggle relinquishing their hold upon their maturing sons and daughters. Many times they deeply resent that other woman who has come into the life of their son or that man who has robbed them of the close mother-daughter relationship they used to enjoy.
Jesus was not being cruel. In a very striking way He was reaching the great truth that all believers are precious to Him! Each one is a sister or mother or brother for whom He died! He is not relegating Mary to a low place. He is raising us to a high one with her. We can believe that He honored her all his life, even on the cross when He lovingly entrusted her to the care of John.
A word to the husband of a woman who is finding it difficult to see her son go! This is a time when you should lovingly insist that she untie those apron strings. Your wife, in whom emotion is such a driving force, may be blinded to what she is doing to this son, to herself and to you. Your strength is needed here. If you fail to step in, the son himself may some day have to break this tie. That would be much more difficult and not nearly so appropriate.
A man is to leave his mother as he assumes responsibility for a new family unit. Yes, mother, his leaving may hurt, but as you face it with Christ you can grow!
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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