Matthew 12:50

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Want elkeen wat die wil doen van my Vader wat in die hemele is, die is my broer en suster en moeder.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that anyone who does God's will is considered Jesus' family. Jesus is speaking here, and he means that spiritual kinship is more important than biological relations.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a secret club with your best friends. You all follow the same rules to be part of this special group. For Jesus, his 'secret club' includes anyone who listens to God’s instructions and tries their best to do them. This makes them part of Jesus’ family too!

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this gospel around 80-90 AD for a Jewish-Christian audience. The setting was one where the traditional family ties were highly valued, but Jesus was emphasizing spiritual connections over blood relations.

Living It Out Today

Consider a situation where you meet someone at work who shares your values and supports your faith journey. This person might become closer to you than some of your biological relatives in terms of shared beliefs and values.

Topics

• family
• spiritual kinship
• obedience to God
• Jesus' teachings
• relationship with God
• community

Related Verses

• Mark 3:35
• John 14:21
• Romans 8:9
• Ephesians 6:1-3
• Galatians 6:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this verse mean that Jesus doesn't love his actual mother and siblings?

No, Jesus loves all people deeply, but he is emphasizing the importance of spiritual relationships over biological ones. He’s not rejecting his family; rather, he's highlighting a deeper form of kinship based on faith.

How can I apply this verse to my life?

You can apply this by focusing more on building relationships with people who share your faith and values. This doesn’t mean ignoring family but prioritizing those spiritual connections in your community.

Who wrote Matthew 12:50?

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, one of Jesus' disciples who recorded many of his teachings and actions.

What does 'the will of my Father which is in heaven' mean here?

It means doing what God wants us to do. This includes following His commandments, showing love to others, and living a life that honors Him through our actions and decisions.