471. MAT 12:49, MAT 12:50. SAINTS THE RELATIVES OF JESUS

Mat_12:49, Mat_12:50. Saints The Relatives Of Jesus

"And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister, and mother."’97Mat_12:49, Mat_12:50.

Jesus exhibited perfect rectitude in all the relationships he sustained. It is said of him at an early period of his life, that he went to Nazareth, and was subject to his parents, and grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. It cannot be supposed that Jesus would ever act at variance with the tenderest affection for his honored and beloved mother, especially when it is remembered, that while be was suspended in anguish on the cross he feelingly committed her to the guardian care of the disciple John. Yet it might appear from the paragraph with which the text is connected that he did not. manifest to her preeminent attention. "Then one said," &c. All other things were subordinate with Christ to his Father’s glory, and the great end of his mission to our world. Whatever aspect the conduct of Christ may appear to have to his relations after the flesh, it is full of comfort and promise to his true disciples to the end of the world. Let us contemplate,

I. The spiritual Relatives of Jesus.

"The same is my mother," &c. Now this relationship is exceedingly close and intimate.

1. All true saints have one Father with Christ.

He taught his disciples to say, "Our Father," &c. "I ascend to my Father and to your Father," &c. He who testified to Christ as his Son, also says of all his saints, "I will be a Father," &c.

2. They have one nature with Christ In our original state we have the nature of the earthly first Adam. This is that which is carnal, called the flesh. In regeneration we have the heavenly nature, that of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ This is the new man which born of the Spirit is spirit.

3. They have one mind with Christ.

"Let the same mind," &c. No Christianity without having the mind of Christ. Now this includes that lowly mind, that devout mind, that holy and benevolent mind, which Jesus ever displayed.

4. They have one name with Christ.

If called saints, which signifies holy, it is through Christ being made unto them righteousness, &c. Christian embodies the very name of Jesus. Disciples, signify the followers, the pupils of Christ. Here then are the fourfold bonds of affinity and relationship to Christ. Observe,

II. The great Principle of this Relationship.

Now this is clearly expressed. "Who soever shall do the will," &c. Now this great principle is obedience. It accords with other passages. "Ye are my friends if ye do," &c. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." My sheep "follow me." The will of God is the great rule of all righteousness. What God wills is essentially pure, and just, and good. Now wo notice,

1. This will is revealed to us.

"God in times past, and in divers manners," &c. We have it fully, perfectly, and intelligibly in this blessed book. Nothing here superfluous. Nothing trifling. Nothing deficient. Now, it is the expressed will of God, that first of all sinners should repent of sin, and believe in Jesus Christ. And this lays the foundation for a proper superstructure of inward and practical righteousness.

2. Obedience to this will must be evangelical.

In Christ’s strength. In dependence on his grace, by the aid of his Spirit.

3. Obedience to this will must be affectionate.

From love to God. "This is the love of God," &c. "The love of Christ constraineth us," &c. Not of legal terror. Not of pharisaic arrogance, &c. But of humble love. This obedience,

4. Must be full, not partial.

Have respect to all his commandments.

Not dare to select. This would be presumptuous. Whatsoever he enjoins it right, and we must believe it to be so, and do it as such.

5. It must be constant and enduring.

It is service for life, for death, and for eternity This is also reasonable, and necessary, and best for us. He that endureth to the end, &c. Be thou faithful unto death, &c. Consider,

III. The Advantages of this Relationship.

1. Can you think of more exalted honor.

To be recognised as the kindred of Jesus, the blood-royal of heaven. Kings and priests to God. Fellow-heirs with the Father’s anointed one. O what dignity! Glory which angel and archangel have not. It exalts over the loftiest seraphim and cherubim of the skies.

2. It must include the bestowment of the greatest blessings.

Christ will not withhold from his kindred any real good, they are co-sharers of all his bliss, and joy, and treasures. "All are yours," &c. Every blessing of time and eternity.

3. Everlasting security.

He will now guard and defend. Save them from their enemies. Keep them in the day of mortality. Own them in the great judgment. Elevate them to his right hand forever and ever.

Application

1. Let Christians rejoice in the illustrious relationship they sustain.

2. Especially walk worthy of it.

3. Let degraded, wretched sinners now come and have life.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS