New Testament
Matthew 12:46
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While Jesus was still speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers arrived and stood outside, wanting to talk to him.
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While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
What Matthew 12:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is engaged in teaching a crowd when his family arrives, wanting to speak with him. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' earthly relationships and his mission. His mother and brothers are outside, indicating they may not fully understand his purpose or the importance of his message. The scene illustrates how Jesus' ministry often took precedence over familial ties, emphasizing the call to prioritize spiritual commitments. It also reflects the challenges Jesus faced from those closest to him, as they may have been concerned for his well-being or reputation. This moment serves as a reminder that following Jesus may sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with family and friends, as his mission transcends earthly relationships. The verse sets the stage for deeper discussions about the nature of true family in the context of faith and discipleship.
How to apply Matthew 12:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we willing to put our spiritual commitments above our earthly relationships when necessary? It challenges us to consider how we respond to family and friends who may not understand our faith journey, urging us to remain steadfast in our mission.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: Jesus' Mother and Brothers (Matthew 12:46–50)
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Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:46 mean?
Matthew 12:46 describes a moment when Jesus is teaching a crowd, and his mother and brothers arrive wanting to speak with him. This highlights the tension between his earthly relationships and his mission, showing that Jesus prioritized his spiritual calling over familial ties.
What is the significance of Jesus' family in Matthew 12:46?
In this verse, Jesus' family represents the earthly connections that can sometimes conflict with spiritual commitments. Their desire to speak with him suggests they may not fully understand his mission, illustrating the challenges Jesus faced from those closest to him.
What does the phrase 'stood without' mean in Matthew 12:46?
The phrase 'stood without' indicates that Jesus' mother and brothers were outside the crowd, unable to reach him directly. This physical separation symbolizes their misunderstanding of his purpose and the priority of his ministry over family concerns.
How does Matthew 12:46 relate to discipleship?
Matthew 12:46 emphasizes the challenges of discipleship, particularly the potential for conflict between one's faith and family expectations. It serves as a reminder that following Jesus may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones who do not share the same spiritual priorities.
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