Matthew 12:46

Afrikaans (Contemporary Afrikaans Bible 2023)

Terwyl hy nog met die volk gepraat het, het sy moeder en sy broers daar buite gestaan en wou met hom praat.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a moment when Jesus is speaking to a crowd and his family arrives, wanting to speak with him. It highlights the contrast between Jesus' dedication to teaching and his personal relationships.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your friends in the park, and suddenly your mom comes to find you. This verse is like that but bigger; Jesus was talking to lots of people when his family came to see him.

Historical Background

The Gospel of Matthew was written by a disciple of Jesus named Matthew around AD 80-90 for Jewish Christians in the Roman Empire. It emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and shows how his teachings fit into Jewish religious traditions.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse reminds us to balance our personal relationships with our responsibilities and commitments to others. For example, if you're working on an important project at work but your family calls for a quick catch-up, it's about finding the right time to attend to both.

Topics

• family
• dedication
• responsibility
• priorities
• teaching

Related Verses

• Mark 3:21
• Luke 8:19-21
• John 7:5
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Ephesians 6:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus' family want to speak with him?

They might have been concerned about Jesus, worried he was overworking himself or perhaps trying to bring him home. The context suggests they were outside the crowd but needed to talk to him.

What does this say about Jesus' priorities?

It shows that while Jesus loved his family deeply, he also prioritized his mission of teaching and spreading God's word to those who gathered around him.

How do modern Christians interpret the balance between family and ministry?

Many see this as a reminder to find a healthy balance, ensuring time for both personal relationships and service in their communities or churches.

Are there other verses that show Jesus' relationship with his family?

Yes, passages like Mark 3:21 and John 7:5 give us more insight into how Jesus interacted with his family during his ministry.