God’s Family
Luke 8:19-21
Parallel accounts
Matthew 12:46-50
Mark 3:31-35 (and possibly 3:20-21)
Luke 8:19-21 (and possibly 11:27-28)
Where they agree
• Event is in proximity to the parables of the sower and lamp.
• The event seems to have taken place inside.
• The event most likely took place on the same day.
Where they seem to disagree
• Luke places the event after the parables and Matthew and Mark place it before.
• However, Greek de can be translated both then as well as also making what he says agree with Matthew and Mark that the events happened the same day.
• Matthew and Mark use the event to introduce the parables while Luke uses it to reinforce the parables.
Side note: Answering the argument about contradictions
• How often do we tell stories remembering every single detail of what happened and what was said?
• The fact is even if they disagree in the details they almost always agree in the interpretation.
• The Gospels contain eye witness accounts of people who were constantly exposed to Jesus’ ministry.
• The Gospel writers write within the boundaries of cultural expectations.
Don’t get discouraged over disagreement of chronological order and exact wording. The Bible is amazingly unified especially in the interpretation and purpose of Jesus’ teachings.
Did Jesus’ family think he was mad?
• Mark records an earlier event in 3:20-21 which many scholars thing give a reason for the visit of Jesus’ family.
• However, there are some translating issues.
– Who is saying Jesus is mad?
– Oi par autou literally means “those beside him” and not family.
– Some scholars believe the phrase is an idiom and therefore refer to the later event to identify who the idiom refers to.
Pastor Brian’s opinion
There is little proof oi par autou is an idiom.
It most likely refers to his disciples and should just be translated “those beside him.”
It was most likely others saying Jesus was out of his mind (evidenced by the fact Mark records that scribes and Pharisees were calling him demon possessed).
Why was the event recorded?
• All three writers use it to either introduce or reinforce the concept that faith is obedient belief.
• It introduces a very important concept: people can be a part of God’s family.
“But to all who receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
What characterizes God’s family
• People who hear the word of God and do it.
• The son of God said…
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge…because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” – John 5:30
“Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” – John 5:19
“I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me…I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” – John 8:28-29
“Obedience is the key to being part of God’s family. Knowledge is not enough—the religious leaders had that and still missed Jesus. Following is not enough—the crowd did that but still didn’t understand who Jesus was. Those who believe are brought into a family. In these words, Jesus was explaining that in his spiritual family, relationship are ultimately more important and longer-lasting than those formed in one’s physical family.”
– Life Application New Testament Commentary
The Transformation Expectation
Two implications
Listen to God’s word and do what it says.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” – Ephesians 5:1
2. Treat one another like family should.
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
– John 13:35