Article March 25, 1985 Issue

"Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?"

ROBERT L. DRAFAHL

Imagine for a moment a crowded room of people listening attentively to the words of our Master, Christ Jesus. Suddenly he is interrupted by someone who tells him, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee." Jesus gives an unexpected reply: "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?"

Always the Teacher, he does not miss the opportunity to make a point or provide an object lesson. With his hand outstretched to his disciples, he continues, "Behold my mother and my brethren!" Then he adds, "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."^{Matt. 12:47–50.}

In a country where the family unit and national pride were traditionally strong, his comment crossed the barriers of biological, racial, and ethnic ties and brought a family unity to those who accepted his teachings. It could well have awakened in his listeners a more expansive view of family.

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