But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't dismissing his earthly family; he's redefining family. He uses this moment to show that spiritual connection to God's will is a deeper, more profound bond than any blood relation.
But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' earthly family, his mother and brothers, have arrived and are trying to get his attention while he's teaching a crowd. Someone tells him they are there, and Jesus uses this moment to redefine family, asking rhetorically who his true mother and brothers are before gesturing to his disciples. He then explains that those who do God's will are his true spiritual family, a deeper connection than blood ties.
Jesus’ own family shows up, but His response seems… cold? Discover the radical redefinition of family Jesus introduces.
When Jesus’ mother and brothers arrive, wanting to speak with Him, He asks a surprising question: “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”
This isn't about disrespecting His earthly family. The Scriptures are clear Jesus honored His mother throughout His life. Instead, this moment is a powerful teaching opportunity.
Jesus uses this question to highlight a truth far greater than biological ties. He’s pointing towards a spiritual family, a community bound by something deeper than blood – obedience to God’s will. He’s establishing that following Him and doing God’s will creates a more profound, sacred relationship than any earthly connection.
Jesus points to His disciples and declares them His true family. What makes them so special in His eyes?
Jesus stretches out His hand towards His disciples and declares, 'Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'
This is the core of Jesus’ message here. The ‘sign’ He offers isn’t a miraculous display, but a radical redefinition of belonging. True kinship with Jesus isn't inherited by birth, but earned through radical obedience.
Doing the will of God means actively listening to His word, believing in Jesus, and allowing His Spirit to transform our lives. It's about a surrendered heart, aligning our desires and actions with God’s divine purpose. This spiritual connection makes one part of Jesus’ innermost circle.
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c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee. His growing fame draws crowds and attracts the attention of religious and family circles.
c. AD 29
Crowds Flock to Jesus
Jesus' teachings and miracles draw vast crowds, including many who are seeking healing or spiritual insight. This popularity, however, also causes concern among some.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus' Family Seeks Him
During a teaching session, Jesus' mother and brothers come seeking to speak with him, possibly due to concern for his well-being or to manage his public activities.
c. AD 29
Jesus Defines True Family
In response to the news of his family's arrival, Jesus broadens the definition of his closest relationships, stating that those who do God's will are his true spiritual family.
This parallel passage directly answers Jesus' question, stating that His true mother and brothers are those who hear and do God's word.
John 1:12-13This passage explains the spiritual transformation that makes believers 'children of God,' highlighting the new spiritual family Jesus forms, which transcends biological ties.
Romans 8:14-17It describes believers as 'sons of God' and 'heirs with Christ,' emphasizing the intimate, familial relationship established through the Holy Spirit, echoing Jesus' concept of spiritual kinship.
Galatians 3:26-29This text powerfully illustrates that in Christ, distinctions of earthly family and status disappear, and all believers are united as one spiritual family, heirs according to the promise.
1 Timothy 5:1-2Paul instructs Timothy on how to treat people within the church community, using familial terms like 'father,' 'mother,' 'brothers,' and 'sisters,' demonstrating that the spiritual family is meant to function with deep respect and care.
barnesMatthew 12:48: "But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?"
Who is my mother? ... - There was no want of affection or respect in Jesus toward his mother, as is proved by his whole life. See especially Luke 2:51, and John 19:25-27. This question was asked merely to "fix the attention" of the hearers and to prepare them for the answer - that is, to show them who sustained toward him the nearest and most tender relation. To do this he pointed to his…
clarkeMatthew 12:48: "But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?"
Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? - The reason of this seeming disregard of his relatives was this: they came to seize upon him, for they thought he was distracted. See Mark 3:33 .
Jesus isn't dismissing his earthly family; he's redefining family. He uses this moment to show that spiritual connection to God's will is a deeper, more profound bond than any blood relation.
Jesus' earthly family, his mother and brothers, have arrived and are trying to get his attention while he's teaching a crowd. Someone tells him they are there, and Jesus uses this moment to redefine family, asking rhetorically who his true mother and brothers are before gesturing to his disciples. He then explains that those who do God's will are his true spiritual family, a deeper connection than blood ties.
Jesus' earthly family, his mother and brothers, have arrived and are trying to get his attention while he's teaching a crowd. Someone tells him they are there, and Jesus uses this moment to redefine family, asking rhetorically who his true mother and brothers are before gesturing to his disciples. He then explains that those who do God's will are his true spiritual family, a deeper connection than blood ties.
"But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”" — Jesus isn't dismissing his earthly family; he's redefining family. He uses this moment to show that spiritual connection to God's will is a deeper, more profound bond than any blood relation.
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Last reviewed October 2026