May 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Second Petition

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 38:21-39:8, 22-23, 27-31; Luke 8:1-21

“Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.’ But he answered them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’” (Luke 8:19-21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Because of the mention of Jesus’ family, this is one of those texts that gets argued over by theology geeks who have really strong feelings about whether or not Mary and Joseph had any children after the birth of Jesus (really, ask a Roman Catholic friend, it’s a whole thing). But let’s not miss the forest for the trees here. Jesus is saying something monumental that it does us well to take to heart—my mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. Jesus is saying here that more than blood and familial connection, the connection we should have with one another is a bond of faith in the one true God. This is a faith that is confessed in the historic creeds of the church, which most of us say every Sunday. This is a faith that is confessed when we receive Christ’s forgiveness for ourselves and extend it to our friends, family, and neighbors. This is a faith which is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus for each of us for the forgiveness of all of our sins. Jesus seems to further underscore this point later on in the chapter where He calls a woman He has healed “daughter,” and this is especially interesting in one of the two gospels that open with an entire genealogy of Jesus. Yet Jesus does not allow the favoritism of kin to shape the priorities within his ministry, instead giving familial status to those who believe His word. But what does it mean to hear the word of God and do it? Surely, Lutheran antennae come up here, as we suspect that Jesus is asking us to keep the law and get a little worried. Fear not; read this declaration in the context of the earlier parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-8) and understand that the Word of God is living and active; it grows as you cultivate it, attend to it, receive it. By hearing the Word of God and receiving the Spirit of God in the Word of God, you are declared not only righteous but truly in the family of Jesus. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Church of God, elect and glorious, Holy nation, chosen race; Called as God’s own special people, Royal priests and heirs of grace: Know the purpose of your calling, Show to all His mighty deeds; Tell of love that knows no limits, Grace that meets all human needs. (LSB 646:1)

- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.