A new family

Family in ancient times were essential for survival, industry and affluence. Imagine the immense surprise that Jesus’ disciples would have met with when told that following Christ would bring family division in Matthew 10. Is Jesus against family? Why such polemical talk from the saviour who has created family and upholds peace and harmony.

Christ chose to use the established intrinsic institution of family to convey the new community that he had come to establish. This community would be as integrated as the family, yet also bring strong opposition.

The close knit characteristic of the family meant that Christ’s disciples were supposed to be united. Though they would come from different backgrounds, philosophical views, and different ethnicity (Romans and Jews) they would be grafted into a new community that was as close as the family. In this new family Zealots would have to love Romans, Jews would fellowship with Gentiles and slaves with their masters. No longer would one define themselves simply by their birth family, but their spiritual family would be just as important. This of course meant that prejudice and superiority ideals had to be done away with. Walls of division and suspicion would disintegrate as these believers worked towards having a close fellowship in Christ.

Not only would these new believers have to overcome divisive boundaries, they would also be subject to persecution from their own family. Parents wondered why their children were now involved with others not like them. Family traditions that were unbiblical or religious would be ignored causing further division. A passionate family member might even choose to forsake the family business for the calling of ministry.

Thus Jesus reminds us that joining his family takes extreme commitment. We commit to loving one another though we are very different. We commit to getting to know each other, understanding one another and valuing our differences. Despite the criticism of the world and often well meaning loved ones, our eyes remain on the prize – of maintaining real unity with those whom God has called us to share this supernatural life with.

So God I thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to be a blessing to day, serving, loving, giving all I am for those you gave your all to. Amen.