As a parent, I hear this response of Jesus and I wonder how Jesus' mother and brothers responded -- were they hurt? I don't believe that Jesus intended his remark as a rebuke... I think it is meant as an expansion. Family has an intimacy with it -- a unique relationship unlike any other, where one is known completely and fully, in ways often not imitated or repeatable. And here is Jesus, saying that he can be known intimately, fully, by anyone who hears his teachings and follows them. He's offering the fullness of the knowledge of God to anyone, removing barriers that would keep many from God.
What a gift. I keep going back to Paul's words in Ephesians 2... God is rich in kindness and mercy and loves us greatly with such a great love. We are welcomed into the family, given equal rights because of what Christ has done. You and I, family to the most perfect man that has ever lived, and the doors to eternal life are thrown open because he loves you like only family can love you. You are fully known and fully loved.
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