Matthew 12:48

48 But He answered and said unto him that told Him, "Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?"

Matthew 12:48 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 12:48

But he answered and said unto him that told him
Of his mother and brethren being without doors, desiring, and waiting to speak to him,

Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
These questions are put, not as if he himself was ignorant who were his mother or his brethren; or as suggesting as if he had none; or as denying that these were in such a relation to him; or as casting any slight upon them; or as intending to teach men disrespect to parents and kindred, according to the flesh; but as displeased with the man, or men, for interrupting him in his work; and to let them know, that the business of his heavenly Father was preferred by him to any his natural relations could have with him; and that he might have an opportunity of pointing out who were his relations in a spiritual sense.

Matthew 12:48 In-Context

46 While He yet talked to the people, behold, His mother and His brethren stood outside, desiring to speak with Him.

47 Then one said unto Him, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand outside, desiring to speak with thee."

48 But He answered and said unto him that told Him, "Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?"

49 And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples and said, "Behold, My mother and My brethren!

50 For whosoever shall do the will of My Father who is in Heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother."