(see also Matthew 12:46-50 Luke 8:19 - 21)
Scripture: "Behold, my mother and brothers!. For whoever does the will of God is my brother…"
Observation: In verses 20 through 21, we have an unspecific group of close Association; now we have Jesus's family want to talk to him. Jesus has a steady stream of opposition - Pharisees, Herodians, synagogue people, his own family? Homies? And now his family. Sandwiched between such opposition Jesus calls his apostles.
Jesus's mother and brothers, named in Matthew 13 and Mark 6-- James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (or Jude) -- (two of Jesus's half-brothers write books in the New Testament)-- are waiting to "talk." It sounds like Jesus is "in" somewhere - because they are standing outside. The multitude - a mix of disciples, seekers and enemies - tell Jesus his family is "seeking for him." He asks an odd rhetorical question: "who is my mother and my brother?" Then he pauses - looks around on them that's about him... those closest to him... his closest followers / disciples / friends... And declares, these are my "family." This doesn't mean he disowned his family, but that he was adding a new means of entering into the family -- by doing the will of God.
Application: Jesus invites us to join his inner circle -- to be a brother meant the receiving of inheritance and blessing, plus duties / responsibilities of a close relative (see Ruth). As a brother of Jesus, I partake in an eternal inheritance -- what is 1% of an infinite reward? No matter how small a share, our portion is infinite! How shall I live in light of such a great reward? Can I suffer for a short while? Yes, for they are but "light and momentary trials" (2nd Corinthians 4:17).
Jesus invites me to join his family - I'm given a whole new family - called the church, and the other brothers of Jesus are my brothers, too. What is it to do the will of God? Do right - 1st Peter 2:15; suffer - 1st Peter 3:17; abstain from sexual immorality - 1st Thessalonians 4:3; give thanks in everything - Romans 15:32; accomplish his work - John 4:34; Endure - Hebrews 10:36; ask - 1st John 5:14; don't be foolish - Ephesians 5:17; renew your mind - Romans 12:2. What is God's "highest" will? To believe and live -- John 6:40.
Prayer: Father - I can call you Father - for you accept me in your son - you have given me all things. I thank you for my oldest brother, Jesus - I thank you for my family, the church - I thank and praise you for my brothers. I pray that we would love you well, and sharpen each other. Help me to honor, respect, and love your will - teach me not to kick against the goads, but to see everything that is in my life as passing through your hands for my good and For Your Glory. Amen.