JESUS' SIBLINGS ~ Precious Victor Akah

Luke 8:21 "Jesus said to them all, "My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey it." This Scripture is a great eye-opener. You may have come across it before or it may be your first time reading it, but there is a strong message Jesus passed across to all professing Christians in this Scripture that we're going to examine today.

Many times, we call ourselves (Christians) siblings of Jesus or say that Jesus is our elder brother. But simply making this confession or declaration does not automatically make us Jesus' brothers and sisters if Jesus Himself does not identify us as His brothers or sisters. Jesus' mother and brothers came to see Him and He was told that His mother and brothers have come to see Him, but Jesus gave a shocking response: "My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:21

You know, on the last day, many Christians will be shocked. Many who considered themselves Jesus' brother or sister will be surprised when Jesus tells them: "Depart from me; I know you not, you are not my brother, you are not my sister." This is the same way Jesus' mother and brothers may have been surprised when they were told Jesus' response to their request to see Him.

Beloved, how obedient are you to the Word of God? Please pay close attention to what Jesus said in His statement: "My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” He said, those who hear God's word and put it into practice are those He consider to be His brothers and sisters; in other words, members of His family.

This goes to say that, if as a professing Christian or someone proclaiming to be a child of God, you hear God's Word but do not put it to practice, Jesus does not consider you to be one of His siblings. And this means that, He would not allow you to enter the Kingdom of His Father when you leave this earth. I hope you understand how serious this is?

Getting born again is not all that is required to make heaven. If you become born again but remain disobedient and rebellious to God and His Word till you leave this earth, you'll eventually spend eternity in hell fire with the children of the devil who never confessed faith in Jesus, who never became born again. This will not be your portion in Jesus' Name.

So please, learn to obey the word of God. Learn to put God's word into practice. This is what makes Jesus see you as one of His siblings, not simply going to church on Sundays, not singing in the choir or serving in church, not fasting and praying, not reading the Bible, not identifying with Christians, not giving offerings and paying tithes, but simply hearing and obeying the Word of God after you're born again.

Remember what God told Saul in the Bible through prophet Samuel: "But Samuel answered, “Which pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obeying his commands? It is better to obey the Lord than to offer sacrifices to him. It is better to listen to him than to offer the fat from rams." 1 Samuel 15:22 Your obedience to God and His word is far more important to Him than any religious activity you practice daily.

Make a decision today, if you really want Jesus to see you as one of His siblings and be qualified to spend eternity in heaven, to give your ears to the hearing of the word of God more and to obeying and practicing the word of God. Remember, calling yourself a child of God is not what will get you to heaven but Jesus calling you one of His Father's children.

Does Jesus see you as His brother/sister? "Jesus replied: My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:21

Shalom.