Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 12:46-50

"While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him. And one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee. 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! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother." — Matthew 12:46-50 (ASV)

Christ's preaching was plain, easy, and familiar, and suited to his hearers. His mother and brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with him, when they should have been standing inside, desiring to hear him. Frequently, those who are nearest to the means of knowledge and grace are most negligent. We are apt to neglect that which we think we may have any day, forgetting that tomorrow is not ours.

We often encounter hindrances in our work from friends around us, and are diverted from the concerns of our souls by our care for the things of this life. Christ was so intent on his work that no natural or other duty took him from it. Not that, under pretense of religion, we may be disrespectful to parents or unkind to relatives; but the lesser duty must yield while the greater is done.

Let us stop putting our trust in people, and cling to Christ; let us look upon every Christian, in whatever condition of life, as the brother, sister, or mother of the Lord of glory; let us love, respect, and be kind to them, for His sake, and following His example.