Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 12:48-49

"But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand towards his disciples, and said, Behold, my mother and my brethren!" — Matthew 12:48-49 (ASV)

He does not reject the tender ties of His human nature, but He exhibits their true position as secondary to the spiritual bonds which united Him to the spiritual family. Those who were related to Him by the bonds of discipleship had in this the truest union with Him.

He pointed to His disciples and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! All believers in Jesus are of the royal family, princes of the blood, brothers of the Christ. See how He owns the affinity and bids all know it. He is not ashamed to call them brethren. In this instance, His method of acknowledging them was singularly striking. He even set them before His earthly mother and brethren.

Lord, let us know and enjoy our nearness to Yourself. Help us also to care for You as a mother for her son and to love You as a man should love his own brother.