Who are my mother and my brothers?

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” ... And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

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There is an interesting dynamic going on in the family of Jesus. From these few verses is it is apparent that his mother and brothers are a bit confused concerning this new chapter in the life of their beloved son and brother. How could they, who watched Jesus grow into manhood, understand? These are the ones who thought that carpentry would be, like it was for his father Joseph, his life trade - messianic ministry was not what they had in mind.

Yet in the midst of all of this craziness Jesus says something even crazier. He says that his real family is marked by obedience to God. Hearing something like this would have caused me concern if I was his brother. Yet, for we who read these words now, we understand that the Son of God was elevating our relationship to him. No longer are we outsiders. No longer are we servants and slaves. We are loved and embraced as divine brothers and sisters.

I do not understand it Lord but you call me brother. Help me to live honoring our family.