What did Jesus say About Family?
Jesus spoke at length about family and His teachings on the subject still remain some of the most cherished today. He emphasized the importance of valuing relationships among family members, speaking about the relevance of love and reconciliation even amidst difficult times. It is clear that Jesus placed a tremendous amount of importance placed on family. Here is a closer look at what Jesus said about family.
Jesus was strongly opposed to violence and division. In Matthew 19:6, he says, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Jesus wanted His followers to value family and its relationships. This commandment directs us to preserve family, even when division threatens to enter.
Jesus spoke about the most fundamental aspects of family. In Matthew 12:49-50 Jesus says, “Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand towards 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.” Jesus wanted us to know that an individual doesn’t have to be related to be family, but rather we are united by love and understanding.
Jesus demonstrated genuine care for all kinds of people, especially those lacking a family, calling the tax collector Zacchaeus “son” in Luke 19: 5-6. He often reached out to the disenfranchised, showing them compassion that ran deeper than simple religious affiliation. He taught us that we can be part of a loving family beyond the traditional sense.
Jesus often spoke about family and faith. He told His disciples in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Jesus taught us that faith and family values go hand in hand. He wanted us to be supported by a close knit support network, and such strength can only come through faith.
Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness. His parable in Luke 15:11-32 has become one of the most famous in the Bible. Here, He teaches us of the importance of a father’s love and how even the most heinous sins can be forgiven if only we have faith and ask for forgiveness. He illustrates that the love of family is one of the most powerful forces of all.
In Luke 12:52 Jesus reiterates, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Jesus was reminding us that, despite the hardships of family, love will always eventually prevail. As Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves, He also wanted us to love our families. He understood that this kind of love was essential.
Fostering Relationships
The most important part of family is the relationships between family members. Jesus taught that even when families disagree and tensions arise, it is essential to remain respectful and to foster healthy relationships. Jesus wanted us to appreciate the small, seemingly insignificant moments that make up our family’s day-to-day life. He wanted us to recognize that these moments serve as the very fabric of our familial relationships.
Jesus taught that family is more than a bond of blood, but a special connection between individuals marked by the sum total of all of its members’ love and contributions. He said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26).” Jesus taught us that there is so much more to family than simply the idea of blood relatives.
Being a part of a family means showing kindness and consideration towards each other. Jesus taught, in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” He wanted us to remember that when it comes to family, no love is more unconditional than the one you share with your siblings and blood relatives.
Jesus also taught that it is our duty to honor our family members. He said in Matthew 19:19, “Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Jesus taught us to cherish each family member, no matter how distant they are, and regardless of how similar or different their beliefs may be.
Jesus wanted each family member to be granted respect and love no matter the circumstances. He spoke of the importance of communication among family members, preaching that expressing love and caring for each other is essential to maintain healthy relationships in the family. He said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).”
Family Will Remain Central
Ultimately, Jesus wants us to recognize that family isn’t just a lifeblood, but a source of unconditional love that brings us closer to God. He reminds us that family is not only the one you are biologically related to, but also those who you share a special connection with, even if they aren’t related to you biologically. To Jesus, family is everything.
He wanted us to practice the Golden Rule, teaching us to always treat each other with the same kindness and favoritism with which we would like to be treated. He wanted us to recognize the importance of not only our immediate family but also our extended networks and cultures. His teachings remind us that even in times of hardship, it is our responsibility to forgive and encourage others.
The importance of family is an evergreen concept; it will always be relevant. Though there is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to family dynamics, Jesus taught us how to find true pleasure in the relationships of family. Even after two thousand years, His wisdom still stays relevant in our ever-changing world.
Being A Good Example To Others
Besides speaking in parables and stories, Jesus also demonstrated how to talk to family members through both words and actions. Jesus was a fatherly figure to his disciples and was never afraid to show them his unconditional love. He taught us to offer guidance and discipline in a loving manner, but also to choose our words carefully. Of course, love should always be the foundation that binds the family together.
Jesus taught us to keep lines of communication open with family members and to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Jesus recognizes that communication is the only way we can understand each other’s feelings. He taught us to be aware of all family dynamics, especially those that don’t always produce the happiest of outcomes.
Despite challenging family dynamics, Jesus taught us to remain non-judgmental and understanding in our response. He demonstrated this when He spoke to His mother and brothers in John 8:37. He proclaimed, “I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” In this way Jesus was showing that all of us have the same source of strength, which is the love of God.
Jesus also said in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Jesus knew that our family acts as a reflection of our morality. He wanted us to be are own best example, to take responsibility for our own actions and faith.
Finally, during the Last Supper Jesus had to face the toughest moment of his life. He demonstrated his unconditional love by washing the feet of his disciples. He also asked his disciples to care and love their brothers as he had done. In this way, Jesus laid the foundation of love and respect between family members.
Making Righteous Decisions
It’s not just words of wisdom that Jesus believed in, but also deeds. Jesus wanted us to make righteous decisions and to stick to them. He taught us to put the needs of our family above all else. He illustrated this in Luke 16:10 when he said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Through his teachings, Jesus wants us to keep our family relationships free from any kind of wrongdoing, such as cheating, lying, or stealing. When making decisions, Jesus wants us to put our family first and always speak the truth, no matter the situation. Jesus taught us that honest conversations with family members are essential if we want to foster strong family ties.
Jesus commanded His followers to be generous and supportive, not only with family members but with everyone. He tells us in Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Jesus wants us to take care of each other and to put the needs of those around us first. He used family as a way to demonstrate this generosity.
In Luke 18:20, Jesus says “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” Jesus taught us that honor and obedience to our families is essential for a healthy family life. Jesus instructed us to be obedient and to listen to the advice of our elders. In times of distress, He told us to seek out wise counselors in family members like grandparents, in order to find the right way forward.
Additionally, Jesus teaches us to become peacemakers. Every family faces conflicts, and Jesus taught us that it is possible to reconcile with those who might disagree. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). Jesus’ message is clear: to find common ground and try to settle matters without resorting to violence.
Living In Faith
Above all, Jesus stresses the importance of faith and hope. In order for a family to survive, he teaches us to put our trust in the Lord and to never give up. He said in Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Jesus taught us to never lose faith, no matter what.
As Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus reminded His disciples to trust in each other and to never be ashamed of their faith. He teaches us to speak truthfully and openly about our faith to our closest family members, even in the face of adversity.
Jesus also reminded us that we are all equal in the eyes of Lord. He taught us to set aside all forms of discriminations and to appreciate each family member as an individual. He said in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” He taught us to practice unconditional love and to be open to everyone, regardless of their background or faith.
Family was an integral part of Jesus’ life and He chose to demonstrate His love through his every action. He believed that family should be the highest priority in life, and that it is our duty to honor each other no matter what. The teachings of Jesus remind us to cherish our family and all their different dynamics, and to always seek the truth.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
