Luke 8:1-3,19-21 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
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.” (EHV)
I have never tried to calculate it, but I wonder how many actual days of Jesus' approximate three-year ministry are recorded in the Bible. What happened on those other days? Probably a lot more of what is recorded: Jesus sharing the Word of God with people, both individually and in groups; Jesus healing people and casting out demons; Jesus going off by himself to pray. And of course, the activities of daily life: walking from place to place, setting up and taking down the camp, sleeping, daily hygiene and grooming, eating, preparation of meals and gathering of supplies, etc. So many things that would have happened daily don't get mentioned in Scriptures.
Except, in a way, in these verses. Some women named in these verses, as well as “many others” not named, were helping to support Jesus in his ministry. This passage says they were doing so “out of their own means,” indicating financially (since Jesus didn't have a job where he was collecting a paycheck). But their “means” would not be limited to their financial treasures, but also include their time and talents.
They had been on the receiving end of Jesus' ministry, at least some having been “cured of evil spirits and diseases.” And along with those interactions with Jesus, they had received God's Word. It had worked in their hearts and led them to actions—actions that Jesus treasures.
When the mother and brothers of Jesus couldn't get near him, and someone acted as if they should get preferential treatment, Jesus pointed out that he doesn't see it that way. He values “those who hear God's Word and put it into practice.”
If you are reading this devotion, I'm guessing that you either have a child or children with extraordinary challenges, or you are helping support parents who have such children. Therefore, you fit into that group of “Word practitioners,” just like the women who were active in supporting Jesus' daily ministry.
Parents of children take care of so many unsung, almost unnoticed tasks of daily living!
Yet those tasks are important in the lives of their children, just like the actions of this group of women were important in the life of Christ, and are just as valued by him. So on those days when things start to seem to be getting to be a bit “too much,” remember your place in God's family. Jesus' “mother and brothers are those who hear God's Word and put it into practice.” And that’s what you, dear Christian parent, are doing in caring for your child.
Lord Jesus, my Brother, thank you for bringing me into your family by faith in you. You have revealed yourself in your Word, and I believe in you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me continue to live a life of faith, showing a small part of your love for me and all people in how I show love to others around me. I do all these things not to try to gain favor in your eyes, but because I know I have gained heaven because of your sacrifice. I pray in your name. Amen.
by Paul Mose