Given Family, Chosen 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 8:19-21

We have our given families and our chosen families. Your given family include your parents, siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins, etc. Your chosen family include the people you go on the journey of life with, who share your values and not just your blood, whose DNA is more spiritual and than genetic.

Jesus’s mother’s and brothers must have been anxious to check in on Jesus - there’d been a lot of drama around him, even political whisperings, and he’d travelled a long way from home. While there’s no question Jesus deeply valued his biological family (in fact, while hanging on the cross Jesus made sure his mother would be taken care of!). Jesus chose family for himself instead of only holding to his given family. His chosen family included those who listened to God and responded to God. Like us, Jesus chose family based on values, direction in life, and purpose.

Take a few minutes and think about your given family and your chosen family. What sort of overlap is there? Are there pressures or expectations that come to mind? Disappointments or thanksgivings? Is there closeness or distance?

We’ll be thinking a lot about family this week - ask God to be showing you what you need to see in order to take your next step on the spiritual journey in this area.