Underdogs

January 1, 2021

DAILY READING

Matthew 12:46-50

FIELD NOTES

Ok, yes, this is a strange passage.  Jesus’ mother and brothers come to him to visit.  His disciples go to Jesus and inform him that his mother and brothers are there to see him.  Rather than going to them, the writer says that Jesus says instead, while pointing at his followers, “Who are my mother and brothers?  These are my mother and brothers.”  

Weird, right?  And yet, Jesus is making a point—all who follow Jesus, and do the will of God, are family.  They belong to each other.  No one is greater than another.  

I’m sure Jesus greeted his family.  We don’t see that part of the story, because that isn’t the point.  We belong to each other.  We are family.  May we live out the truth that following Christ is meant to unite us, rather than divide.  Amen.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• In what ways are we still divided as the body of Christ?  How might we overcome them?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, drive out our fear.  Fill the emptiness with love.  And Lord, where that fear is fueled by hurt, grant us the strength to forgive.  We pray for your hand to guide us as always.  Amen.