Leslie M. John
What was the importance that the relatives of Jesus had on this earth?
On seeing the miracles that Jesus did and the words of wisdom that he spoke to
the people, a woman said that the mother who bore Jesus as her son was blessed.
The woman adored Mary, the blessed woman, who was the earthly mother of Jesus.
In her own thoughts the woman, who bore Jesus as her son was blessed. Her focus
was mainly on the mother, who bore Jesus as her son. In the same chapter (Luke
11), where this woman is shown as having said that the woman who bore Jesus was
blessed, indeed there were some important points to take note of. Firstly, it
was about the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Secondly, it was an
insistent entreaty of a friend in need seeking help from his friend, and how
impossible it is that the heavenly Father would give a serpent to the one, who
asks him bread. Thirdly, it was about casting of a devil that showed that Jesus
was divine. The woman then said as it is written in Luke 1:27 “And it came to
pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her
voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which
thou hast sucked.“ Jesus responded “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they
that hear the word of God, and keep it”. (Luke 11:28)
Mary the earthly mother of Jesus was indeed a blessed woman. The angel of the
Lord said that Mary found favor with God, and that she shall bring forth a son,
and that she shall call his name JESUS, because he shall save his people from
their sins. (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:30) But that which was conceived in her was of
the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:20)
When Mary the mother of Jesus and his half-brothers had concern for him “…he
looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and
my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and
my sister, and mother. (Mark 3:34-35) His half-brothers did not believe that
Jesus was the Son of God, until after his resurrection. (John 7:5). The people
around him wondered if he was not the carpenter’s son, and if his mother was not
Mary, or his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Jude) (Matthew 13:55)
But, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, the earthly
mother of Jesus and his half brothers realized that Jesus was not a mere man,
but He was their Savior, just as he was of many. Therefore, Mary the mother of
Jesus joined his half-brothers, and others including the women, who are saved
and continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:14)
Mary the earthly mother was a blessed woman, who found favor in the sight of
God, but she was not the one who deserved our worship. She needed a Savior, and
the Savior was Jesus. She prayed to God, and Lord Jesus was her God.