Matthew 12:48

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto him that told {G2036} him {G846}, Who {G5101} is {G2076} my {G3450} mother {G3384}? and {G2532} who {G5101} are {G1526} my {G3450} brethren {G80}?

But to the one who had informed him he replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"

But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

In Matthew 12:48, Jesus poses a profound rhetorical question that challenges conventional understanding of family and introduces a radical new perspective on spiritual kinship. This verse serves as a crucial pivot in a short but impactful exchange.

Context

This statement by Jesus comes immediately after He has been informed that His mother and brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with Him (Matthew 12:46). Jesus is in the midst of teaching a large crowd, likely indoors, and His family's arrival presents an opportunity for Him to clarify what truly defines His closest relationships. It's not a rejection of His biological family, but rather an elevation of a higher, spiritual bond, setting the stage for His subsequent declaration in Matthew 12:50.

Key Themes

  • Redefinition of Family: Jesus challenges the purely biological definition of family, suggesting that spiritual connection and shared purpose are paramount. His question, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" is designed to make His listeners think beyond earthly relationships.
  • Priority of God's Will: The subsequent verses (Matthew 12:49-50) reveal that Jesus defines His true family as those who "do the will of my Father which is in heaven." This highlights that obedience to God's divine will is the ultimate bond, transcending bloodlines. This concept is central to Christian discipleship.
  • Spiritual Kinship: The passage emphasizes the formation of a new, spiritual family in Christ. Believers are united not by ancestry but by their shared commitment to God's purpose and their relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the straightforward terms "mother" (Greek: meter) and "brethren" (Greek: adelphoi). The power of the verse lies not in complex linguistic nuances of these words, but in the rhetorical force of Jesus' question itself. It forces a re-evaluation of societal norms and priorities, pointing towards a deeper spiritual reality.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:48 calls believers to consider their deepest allegiances. It teaches that our spiritual relationship with God and our commitment to His will should take precedence over all other earthly ties. This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize God: Recognize that our primary identity and loyalty are found in being children of God and followers of Christ.
  • Value Spiritual Community: See fellow believers, those who also strive to do God's will, as our true spiritual family, fostering strong bonds within the body of Christ.
  • Examine Our Obedience: Reflect on whether our lives are truly aligned with the will of God, as this is the defining characteristic of Jesus' spiritual family.

This verse reminds us that true connection is found in shared purpose and obedience to the Heavenly Father.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 3:32

    And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

  • Mark 3:33

    And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

  • Matthew 10:37

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Luke 2:52

    And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

  • Deuteronomy 33:9

    Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

  • Luke 2:49

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

  • John 2:3

    And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

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