"Redefining Family: Living as God's People"

**Matthew 12:48-50**, where Jesus says:

> "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

### **Sermon Title: "Redefining Family: Living as God's People"**

Family is like a stew—everyone brings their own flavor to the pot, and sometimes it’s a little messy, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let me tell you about my family.

We’ve got a bit of everything: the over-achiever, the drama queen, the quiet one, and of course, the eccentric uncle who insists he’s not “weird,” just “passionate” about his conspiracy theories.

Take our family gatherings, for instance. Every Thanksgiving, we do the same routine. My mom, bless her heart, use to try to organize a civilized dinner, but it always devolves into glorious chaos. The meal starts peacefully enough—until one sibling shows up, fashionably late, with a casserole that no one touches but everyone politely compliments. My dad, who is convinced that burnt meat is the only real food, quietly slides it to the edge of the table like it's contagious.

Meanwhile, The Uncle is in the corner explaining why the moon landing was fake, much to the dismay of my cousin, who “works” for NASA. “I literally send people to space,” she says every year, her patience clearly running on fumes. But The Uncle is unfazed. “That’s what they want you to believe,” he says with a wink, like he’s in on some cosmic secret.

Then there's my brother, the quiet one, who sits back and watches the mayhem unfold, only chiming in with a snarky one-liner at the perfect moment. His timing is impeccable. One year, when our Aunt started telling everyone a story from the 60’s for the tenth time that no one can understand , he just muttered, "She’s the only girl who lived through the ‘60s and still talks like she’s got a direct line to Woodstock… or maybe she’s just Ozzy Osbourne’s mumbling coach." The room exploded with laughter, except for my Aunt, who still hasn't understood the joke.

And let’s not forget my grandma. She's 85 and has somehow become a tech wizard, texting me GIFs and emojis I didn't even know existed. She once sent me a string of emojis that told a whole story about her grocery trip. And every time she calls, she ends the conversation with, “Don’t forget, I can see you on Facebook!” It’s both adorable and terrifying.

But the real magic happens at the end of the night when everyone’s full, and we all just sit together, laughing over shared memories and ridiculous moments. My dad will always claim he made the best turkey, even though it was a little dry, and my sister will pretend not to notice we didn't eat her casserole. Uncle Dave will wrap up his latest theory with, "You’ll see, I’m right," and Sarah will roll her eyes, smiling despite herself.

That’s the thing about family—no matter how quirky, unpredictable, or downright strange they are, they’re your people. And in between the chaos, there are moments of pure joy, where you realize that despite the casserole disasters and conspiracy theories, you'd be lost without them.

Because in the end, family isn’t about perfection—it’s about loving each other in all our weird, wonderful ways.

Say something like: Maybe you've heard the phrase: 'Blood is thicker than water.' But today, Jesus turns that saying upside down."* Jesus is not removing the importance of the family unit. He is elevating the intimacy of the spiritual family.

- **Transition**: Introduce the text by highlighting the scene: Jesus is surrounded by crowds, His biological family is seeking Him, and He makes a radical statement that would have shocked the audience.

Redefining Family in God's Kingdom

- **Explanation**: Explain how, in this moment, Jesus redefines what it means to belong to a family. Being a member of God’s family is not based on biological ties, Even Mary the woman who was blessed above all women was outside of this Household of faith, but on spiritual obedience.

Matthew puts a heavy emphasis on the family of God working things out in a peaceful way.

Matthew 18:15 KJV 1900

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Matthew 18:21 KJV 1900

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Matthew 18:35 KJV 1900

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

- **Insight**: Say something like: *"Jesus is showing us that our deepest need for connection isn't found in DNA. It's defined by our commitment to the mission of God. In other words, family in the kingdom of God is about striving to glorify God, living out the Gospel, and helping people on their Faithway Journey ."*

Family Isn’t Just Where You Come From, It’s Where You’re Going

- **Illustration**: Share a story that illustrates a powerful shift in identity or purpose. Denis Vajraca

- **Challenge**: *"Many of us have limiting beliefs about our place in life because of the family we come from. But Jesus says that in His kingdom, you are part of a new family when you follow God's will. Your identity and belonging come from Christ!"*

Ephesians 1:6 KJV 1900

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Romans 3:24 KJV 1900

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

The Power of Spiritual Family

- **Application**:

- Emphasize how this redefined family is based on *relationships* and *purpose*.

- Ask: *"Are you living with a spiritual family mindset? Are you investing in relationships with other believers like they’re your brothers and sisters? Are you prioritizing God's mission as the ultimate expression of your family values?"*

- Discuss the importance of *Community groups* (small groups) and *serving others* in church and the community, helping them experience this new family in Christ.

Giving so that we can give more to God’s plan. If we are going to have a building of our own, God is going to have to use us to raise One million plus dollars for a building.

Overcoming Barriers to Family in the Church

Barrier 1: Loneliness and Isolation

Talk about how people often feel isolated, even in large churches. Challenge the congregation to *get connected* and build genuine relationships, referencing small groups.

Ephesians 2:19 KJV 1900

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

- **Barrier 2: Judgment and Division**:

Address how sometimes we create barriers within the church, dividing ourselves by preferences or differences, instead of focusing on what unites us—obedience to God and love for others.

1 Peter 4:17 KJV 1900

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

This is a warning to those who cause division over non-essentials. This is talking about making the Gospel of Christ look like the Pharisees Law.

Becoming the Family God Designed

- **Call to Action**: Encourage practical steps. You might challenge the congregation to:

Trust Jesus as Savior

- Join a life group or community where they can grow as a spiritual family.

- Reflect on how they can love others and live out the will of God in their day-to-day life.

- Pray for God to open their eyes to see their church as their true family.

#### **7. Closing:

Embracing the New Family Identity

- **Conclusion**: Close with a final thought on how God invites us into something greater than biological ties—a family built on love, mission, and spiritual obedience.

- **Prayer**: Lead a prayer asking God to help the congregation fully embrace their new family in Christ and live as brothers and sisters, united in doing God’s will.