Matthew 12:48

48 But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”

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 Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him.

47 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”

48 But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”

49 Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers.

50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”