Matthew 12:48

48 And he answered to the man, that spake to him, and said, Who is my mother? and who be 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 Yet while he spake to the people, lo! his mother and his brethren stood withoutforth, seeking to speak with him.

47 And a man said to him, Lo! thy mother and thy brethren stand withoutforth, seeking thee.

48 And he answered to the man, that spake to him, and said, Who is my mother? and who be my brethren?

49 And he held forth his hand into his disciples, and said, Lo! my mother and my brethren;

50 for whoever doeth the will of my Father that is in heavens, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.