Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35 NIV He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:9-60 NIV Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62 NIV Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25-26 NIV “You cannot have God as your Father, unless you have the Church as your Mother”. Cyprian of Carthage “He who does not have God’s children as brothers and sisters does not have God for his father.” Joseph Hellerman How to be a spiritual family with others: 1. Share your with a few others – 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News, but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 NLT So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters,because you have remained strong in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:7 NLT Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippians 4:1 NLT 2. Share your . – 1 John 3:16-17 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:16-17 NLT And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Acts 2:44-45 NLT 3. through the good and bad times. 4. Be a spiritual to 2-3 others. Questions for Discipleship group and/or personal study: Opener: Do you agree with Rick that the typical North American Christian priority list of #1 God, #2 family, #3 church, #4 others; goes against the Bible’s teaching? Why or why not? Go to the Source: Read the ‘anti-family’ statements Jesus says in Mark 3:31-35, Luke 9:59-62, and Luke 14:26. Do you struggle with Jesus’ statements here. Why or why not? Live it out: How do you live out Jesus’ call to follow Him with brothers and sisters in your spiritual family? What does it mean for you to share your heart and your stuff with a few others?