Commentaries on Gospel Events
The True Brethren
A. D. 28
Capernaum
So, not yet in Capernaum did even his mother, brothers and sisters accept Jesus as "Son of David".
I assume that would have been enough to get them into the "club" of "true brethren".
Or must one go so far as to give up all and become a follower/disciple/apostle?
Whatever, I think this statement of Jesus defining "brethren" sheds much light on Matthew 25 (Judgment of the Gentiles) concerning who gets to be a sheep rather than a goat based on how they treated "the least of these my brethren".
It could be that Mary did not become "a brethren" until at the foot of the cross; and then Jesus said to John: "behold your mother".
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Matthew |
Mark |
Luke |
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Mat 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. |
Mar 3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.Mar 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.Mar 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?Mar 3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!Mar 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. |
Luk 8:19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.Luk 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.Luk 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. |