Family Matters: Redefining Family Through God’s Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: The True Family of Jesus—Redefining Family in God’s Kingdom

Jesus redefined family by declaring that those who do the will of God are his true family, elevating spiritual kinship above biological ties. In the crowded house, as his biological family waited outside, Jesus looked at those sitting at his feet—his followers, his disciples—and called them his mother, brothers, and sisters. This radical statement shifted the understanding of family from mere blood relation to a community united by obedience to God. It means that anyone who seeks and follows God’s will is welcomed into this new, eternal family, regardless of their background or earthly family situation. [33:09]

Mark 3:31-35 (ESV)
And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reflection: Who in your life do you see as “family” because of your shared pursuit of God’s will, and how can you intentionally invest in those relationships this week?

Day 2: Entering God’s Family Through Jesus

Becoming part of God’s family is not about heritage, good works, or religious background—it is about trusting and following Jesus, the Son, who is the only way to the Father. Jesus makes it clear that the will of the Father is to follow him, and through him, we are invited into the family of God. This invitation is open to everyone, no matter their past or present, and it is through repentance and faith in Jesus that we are adopted as sons and daughters. The family of God is not exclusive; it is a table where all are welcome if they come through Christ. [38:05]

John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to more fully trust and follow Jesus as the way into God’s family?

Day 3: Adoption Into God’s Family—Our New Identity

God’s plan from the very beginning was to adopt us into his family through Jesus, giving us a new identity as beloved sons and daughters. This adoption is not based on our merit but on God’s grace and kindness, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus. In Christ, we are forgiven, set free, and brought near to God, and we belong to a family that transcends all earthly boundaries. This truth means that no matter your earthly family story, you are wanted, chosen, and delighted in by God as part of his eternal family. [39:35]

Ephesians 1:5-7 (ESV)
He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted and delighted in by God as his child shape the way you see yourself and others today?

Day 4: Be With Your Spiritual Family—Prioritizing God’s People

Being part of the family of God means showing up, being present, and investing in relationships with other believers, even when life is busy or complicated. The spiritual family is not meant to be an afterthought or something we cut out when schedules get tight; rather, it is a source of encouragement, growth, and support as we follow Jesus together. When we prioritize gathering, serving, and worshiping with God’s people, we model faith for the next generation and experience the fullness of life God intends for his family. [45:34]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can prioritize being with your spiritual family this week, even if it means saying no to something else?

Day 5: Serving Flows From Identity—Not Earning God’s Family

Our place in God’s family is not earned by what we do; rather, our acts of service and love flow out of our secure identity as God’s children. Serving in the church or community does not make us family—Jesus already accomplished that through his death and resurrection. Instead, we serve because we are family, looking out for one another and helping others experience the good news of Jesus. Remembering this frees us from striving for approval and allows us to serve with joy and gratitude, knowing our identity is rooted in Christ. [50:16]

Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV)
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift from serving to earn approval to serving out of your identity as a beloved child of God?

Sermon Summary

Family is one of the most complicated and meaningful parts of our lives. For some, it brings joy and warmth; for others, it’s a source of pain or longing. No matter our experience, we all come from a family, and God is the one who created the very idea of family. But what if God’s vision for family is much bigger than biology, tradition, or even our own expectations? When Jesus was confronted by his own family—who thought he was out of his mind—he used that moment to redefine what family truly means in God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ words in Mark 3 are radical: “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” In that moment, he elevated spiritual family above biological ties, not to diminish the importance of our earthly families, but to show us that God’s family is formed by obedience and faith in Christ. This is a family that transcends bloodlines, backgrounds, and brokenness. It’s a family built on the foundation of Jesus’ sacrifice, where all who trust and follow him are adopted as sons and daughters of God.

This spiritual family is not just a theological idea—it’s meant to be lived out. We are called to be with our family, to worship, serve, and grow together. In a world that often prioritizes busyness and biological obligations, it’s easy to let our spiritual family become an afterthought. But Jesus calls us to lean in, to make the family of God a central part of our lives, and to model that priority for the next generation. Our children and those around us are watching to see if our faith is just a Sunday ritual or a living reality.

Being part of God’s family is not about what we do, but about what Jesus has done for us. Our identity is rooted in his grace, not our service or performance. Yet, as family, we serve and love one another—not to earn our place, but because we belong. The invitation to join this family is open to all, no matter your past or present. Through Jesus, you are welcomed, forgiven, and given a new identity and purpose.

The family of God is messy, diverse, and sometimes difficult, but it is the place where we are known, loved, and sent out to bring more of heaven to earth. This is the family that saved and changed my life, and it’s the family God invites each of us to join and embody.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual family surpasses biological ties Jesus redefined family as those who do the will of God, elevating spiritual kinship above even the closest biological relationships. This challenges us to see our primary identity in Christ and his people, not just in our family of origin. It’s a call to prioritize God’s kingdom and his family, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural. [34:36]
2. Obedience to God forms true family The mark of belonging in God’s family is not heritage or tradition, but a life submitted to God’s will through following Jesus. This means our unity is forged in shared obedience, not just shared blood. It’s a radical invitation to let God’s purposes shape our relationships and loyalties. [33:09]
3. The family of God is a lived reality Being part of God’s family means showing up, serving, and growing together. It’s easy to let spiritual community become optional, but Jesus calls us to lean in, especially when life is busy or hard. Our presence and participation are vital—not just for us, but for those watching and learning from our example. [46:29]
4. Our identity is rooted in Christ, not performance What we do for God’s family flows from who we are in Christ, not the other way around. Service, love, and sacrifice are the fruit of belonging, not the price of admission. This frees us from striving and reminds us that our place in God’s family is secure because of Jesus’ finished work. [50:28]
5. Everyone is invited into God’s family No matter your background, wounds, or doubts, the invitation to join God’s family is open. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has made a way for you to be his son or daughter. This is the greatest news: you are wanted, welcomed, and loved in the family of God. [42:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:56] - Introduction & Series Overview
[20:18] - The Complexity of Family
[21:51] - God’s Original Design for Family
[22:23] - What Makes Us Family?
[24:49] - Jesus’ Ministry and Family Tension
[25:48] - Jesus’ Family Tries to Intervene
[27:16] - Religious Leaders Challenge Jesus
[28:01] - Jesus’ Family Arrives
[29:57] - Jesus’ Mission and Family Redefined
[31:42] - Who Is My Family?
[33:09] - Spiritual Family Defined
[34:36] - God’s Family Above All
[37:52] - How to Join God’s Family
[42:23] - Invitation to God’s Family
[45:34] - Be With Your Spiritual Family
[49:33] - Serving Flows from Belonging
[50:40] - Our Identity in Christ
[51:22] - Living Out the Family Mission
[52:11] - Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 3:20-35 (ESV) — > 20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” ... 31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Ephesians 1:5-7 (ESV) — > 5 He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

John 14:6 (ESV) — > Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Observation Questions

In Mark 3, how did Jesus’ biological family respond to his ministry, and what did they try to do when they heard about the crowds? ([25:48])
When Jesus’ family arrived and called for him, how did Jesus respond to the crowd about who his true family was? ([33:09])
According to Ephesians 1:5-7, what does Paul say about how we become part of God’s family?
In John 14:6, what does Jesus say is the way to the Father?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose that moment, when his family was outside, to redefine what “family” means in God’s kingdom? What message was he sending to both his followers and his biological family? ([34:36])
The sermon says, “Jesus wasn’t negating the biological family, but he elevated the spiritual family above all other family in that moment.” What are some reasons this might be challenging or even uncomfortable for people today? ([35:41])
According to the sermon, what is the “mark of belonging” in God’s family, and how is it different from just being born into a certain family or tradition? ([33:09])
The sermon mentions that being part of God’s family is not about what we do, but about what Jesus has done for us. How does this truth affect the way we serve and love others in the church? ([50:28])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “be with your family”—meaning the family of God. What are some specific ways you can prioritize being present with your spiritual family, even when life gets busy or stressful? ([46:29])
Think about your own family background—whether it’s a source of joy, pain, or a mix of both. How has your experience shaped the way you view spiritual family? Are there any barriers you feel to fully embracing the church as your family? ([20:54])
Jesus said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” What does it look like for you, personally, to “do God’s will” in your daily life? Are there areas where you feel God is calling you to deeper obedience or trust? ([33:09])
The sermon says our identity is rooted in Christ, not in our performance or service. Are there ways you’ve been trying to “earn” your place in God’s family? How can you rest more in what Jesus has already done for you? ([50:28])
The invitation to join God’s family is open to everyone, no matter their past. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear that they are wanted and welcomed in God’s family? What is one step you can take to extend that invitation this week? ([42:23])
The sermon mentions that our children and those around us are watching to see if our faith is just a Sunday ritual or a living reality. What are some practical ways you can model the priority of God’s family to the next generation or to those close to you? ([47:26])
The family of God is described as “messy, diverse, and sometimes difficult.” How can you contribute to making your church community a place where people feel known, loved, and sent out, even when it’s not easy? ([41:44])

Sermon Clips

There may be some things said where you're not a big fan of what's being said. Because that's just the reality of what family can do based off of your own experience with it. Or some of you, this series may be a breath of fresh air when we talk through this. You might be like, I've needed to hear this for so long. I'm so thankful for this. It could be anywhere in between all of that. But I just want to be upfront with you. You could feel a mixture of emotions throughout this series. But no matter what, my challenge for Northbridge. The same challenge for one church. Is that we go through this thing together. And I'm excited for that. [00:24:05] (29 seconds) #EmbraceFamilyEmotions

Jesus is here. To do the work of God his father. To start this new kingdom. God's kingdom. One that the world has never seen before. A kingdom that would not play by the rules of the world. But they would go by the ways of God the father. And as Jesus is doing that. While he's ushering in this brand new kingdom. What he's doing. Without them realizing it. He is completely changing the dynamic. And the understanding of family. Forever. [00:30:04] (27 seconds) #KingdomFamilyRevolution

Sometimes when we look to follow Jesus. We look to do what God calls us to do in life. Sometimes what happens. Is our biological family tradition. And beliefs. Sometimes get in the way of God's ways. And truth. Sometimes what happens. Is we're looking to honor God. Trust God. Follow God. Live our lives. By following Jesus. As God calls us to do. Sometimes our biological families. Their ways. Their traditions and beliefs. Can get in the way of what God is calling us to do. And here's the truth. Some of you need to hear that this morning. Because maybe you deal with that tension. When it comes to following Jesus. And trying to appease. And make everyone in your family. Like what you're doing at all times. Sometimes that can get really difficult. [00:30:49] (40 seconds) #FaithOverFamilyTraditions

What Jesus would often do throughout his ministries. He would take a term. That everyone was used to in that context and culture. And he would introduce something bigger. Than what they were ready for. And he's about to do the same thing with family. Because he says. Who's my family essentially? Who's my mother? Who's my brothers? Who's really my family? When it comes to what God wants from us. And as his biological family comes to interrupt Jesus. Jesus interrupts their understanding. Of what God wants from us. And his understanding of what family is. [00:32:30] (29 seconds) #RedefiningFamilyWithJesus

Now to be clear. Jesus wasn't negating the biological family. But he elevated the spiritual family above all other family in that moment. He was establishing the family of God. Where obedience to the heavenly father took priority over obedience to the biological family. [00:34:42] (20 seconds) #SpiritualFamilyFirst

If we want to know the Father. Trust the Father. Be a part of the Father's family. The way we do that is through the Son. We do that through Jesus. The will of the Father is to follow. To follow the Son. It's to follow Jesus as Savior and King. His truth. His ways. His life. His mission into God's kingdom and into God's family. And listen. To do that, that takes repentance. That means turning away from a life away from God's family. And turning our life towards the follow into God's family. This takes submission to Jesus and who he is and what he's done for us. And in that, we become part of the greatest family of all time. The family of God. [00:38:16] (40 seconds) #FollowTheFatherThroughSon

Followers of Jesus are family because of the blood of Jesus. That Jesus' death and resurrection brings those who follow him together into this greater family of God. That his death and resurrection brought in this new kingdom and brought in this new family. And that means all followers of Jesus together. We are family. So in other words, what that means, whether you like me or not. If you follow Jesus. Jesus, we're family. And that means we're stuck together in this thing. [00:40:02] (29 seconds) #UnitedByJesusBlood

But here's what kept me knowing and following Jesus. It was the family of God. It was my youth pastor and other peers in my youth group reminding us what it looks like to follow Jesus together. It was other people in my church who mentored me and took care of me and looked out for me and my brothers and my mom. And they lived out the concept of family better than even my own family did because they understood that God called us to a bigger family. And I am a follower of Jesus today. I'm in ministry today because of the family of God. This is what we do for each other. [00:44:37] (31 seconds) #FamilyOfGodTransformsLives

If you're a part of the family of God, be with the family of God. Here's something we struggle with in culture. And I know this because I live it every single day with the dynamic of my family. I have boys who are in sports and we have travel baseball and other different things. After this, I have to go to a football banquet for my youngest son. Like, it's just the busyness of what life is. But what happens is when we get overly tired, we get overly busy, we get overly burnt out. But the family of God is often one of the first things we choose to cut out in life. And we say things like, I just don't have time for church right now. You know, we say things, I can just simply watch online. That's fine. Or, you know, church will be there when I'm ready to get back to it once we get through this season. And we get so busy. We get so stressed. And life can be very busy and stressful. I get that. But the family of God should not be the first thing you cut out. It should be the first thing you lean into. [00:45:35] (56 seconds) #PrioritizeGodsFamily

Because here's what I want you to walk away with. If you remember nothing else of what I said this morning, remember this. Jesus made a way for you to be God's son and daughter. And understanding this is so important. It's so important for our biological families, but it's so important for the world around us to see this. That our call is to do the will of the Father as a family together. And when we do that, others will experience the good news of Jesus because of how we're living. We're living this out as a family. And the kingdom of God will keep advancing in Cranberry and Bridgeville and everywhere that Jesus takes our lives to be, whether it's your workplace, your neighborhoods, wherever that may be. And more people, because of the work that we do together, we go further, faster together. More people will be called sons and daughters of God because of how the family of God is living it out. [00:50:43] (53 seconds) #LivingGodsWillTogether

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