Mary's new home

In saying “Woman, behold thy son!” to Mary, and then to John the disciple, "Here is your mother." Jn 19:27(ISV), Jesus settles his mother into a new family relationship: the family of disciples. Mary, blessed among women, and mother of our Lord recognized her need for purification and brought a sacrifice which represented what Jesus was now accomplishing on the cross (Lk2:22-24). In the early part of His ministry she had been with His brothers (Mt12:46-50) who did not believe in Him. Not even his brothers believed in him Jn 7:5 (ISV). Now at the cross her life changes as she accepts a new family linked not by human birth, but by being disciples of the Master Jesus. She continued in this discipleship relationship unto the infilling of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day (Act 1:14; 2: 1). Her privileged position as mother of Jesus gives her no advantage in salvation over others hearing the word: a woman… told him, "How blessed is the womb that gave birth to you and the breasts that nursed you!" But he said, "Rather, how blessed are those who hear God's word and obey it!" Lk 11:27, 28(ISV). His brothers later believed in Him and became disciples: With one mind all of them kept devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers Act 1:14.(1Cor9:5; Gal1:19). Mary had to hear the word of God, believe and store them in her heart to became filled with the Spirit on Pentecost day. Do not neglect to give the word to the family of clergy-men.

It is God’s intent that all your family be saved. They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will be saved." Act 16:31(ISV).  Have yours kept back from the faith despite years of faithful witness and prayers? Is yours deeply religious, yet lacking understanding of the gift of salvation? Despair not though death seems close. Jesus’ mother believed, and joined the disciples on His dying day. God will yet bring yours to faith before the eyes close in death. Hand them over to God and consistently walk in the way of Christ: the Holy Spirit  is not done with them. Speak the word. God’s  intent that all the family be born anew can only manifest if all members hear the word and believe. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and everyone in his home. He was thrilled, as was his household, to believe in God Act 16:32, 34(ISV).

At the cross Jesus provides redemption for religious hypocrites, murderers and thieves, as well as family. He thirsts that all come to faith; He died that everyone may live. Because of God's wonderful kindness, Jesus died for every one Heb 2:9(CEV). This promise is for you, and your children as well as to all those distant, whom the Lord our God may call to Himself Acts2:39.