My name is Dawn England and I am married to Reginald England. I am the youngest of three children. I have been a teacher for 22 years in Baltimore City. Reggie and I like to travel and shop. I also enjoy reading and listening to gospel and jazz music.

ARE YOU A FAMILY MEMBER OF JESUS?

KEY VERSE

"Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!" (Matthew 12:50, NLT)

CENTRAL TRUTH

The true family of Jesus are those who do His will.

REFLECTIONS

When I first read this chapter, I thought, "Why was Jesus speaking to His mother and brothers this way? Was was He angry with them?" As I thought and prayed about these Scriptures, I gained a better understanding of what He was saying. Jesus was all about doing the work of His Father in heaven. He wanted us to have good, loving relationships with our families, our human relationships. However, His main goal for believers was to develop spiritual relationships with our heavenly Father. I believe that Jesus had a loving relationship with His biological family but an even better relationship with His heavenly Father and He was obedient to Him. As Mark 3:35 (KJV) states, "For whoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Therefore, we should maintain healthy, loving realationships with our biological families. However, our ultimate goal should be to develop spiritually by doing the will of our heavenly Father. When we do His will, He will call us friends. John 15:14 (NIV) states, "You are my friends if you do what I command." Wouldn't you like to be called a friend of Jesus? You and I can attain this by obeying his commands. Are you doing the will of God?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why is it important to do the will of God?

2. Are you doing the will of God? If not, why?

3. Can you survive spiritually without doing his will? Why or why not?