Family of Faith

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

– Matthew 12:48-50

Maybe for you it’s Easter, Thanksgiving or some other occasion for family gatherings. Whenever that might be, the holidays can be either a time of joy and togetherness — or one of stress, conflict and tension. In fact, stress expert Elizabeth Scott, M.S., observes that "many a happy holiday has been found by groups of people who have decided to celebrate with friends instead of family."

It's a sad but accurate commentary about what’s happening in 21st century America. And in many ways, it's also a reflection of human nature. Whenever families gather — for just about any reason at all — tensions can mount. Sometimes it's because of intrusions into precious personal space, like when the in-laws spend the night (or week) in a home that's already too close for comfort. There's also that outcast teenager who perceives their older relatives as judgmental, critical or demanding. And let's not forget those pleasant conversations over Christmas dinner about politics and religion.

If this hits too close to home, you're in good company. Jesus himself — the Son of God — was often misunderstood by those closest to him. "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family," the Savior once told his disciples.

Since even our own families can misinterpret our actions, have you ever wondered if God, our Heavenly Father, really understands all the mundane problems, annoyances and trials that we face every day? 

Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus came into this world in the poorest of circumstances — with an animal's feeding trough as his first bed. But that’s the way it had to be. From the beginning, our Creator knew that men and women were without hope because of the pitiful ways they lived their lives. So his solution was to come to Earth in human form to live out the perfect life. That meant living among us through the sin-free Jesus Christ — the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins. And eventually, he would pay the price for all of us through his painful and humiliating death: crucifixion between two common criminals.

Jesus fulfilled the soul-saving mission God had planned for him since the world’s foundation. The incredible result was that our sin-debt was paid in full. And 2,000 years later, people around the world continue accept the Savior's invitation to join his Family of Faith.