The True Brethren and Sisters of Christ

Who are the true brethren and sisters of Christ? There are many answers to this question, but what do you think? Let us see what Jesus says: “There came his brethren and his mother standing without, who sent unto him calling him. And the multitude sat about him and they said unto him, ‘Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.’ And he answered them saying, ‘Who is my mother or my brethren?’ And he looked round about on them which sat about him and said, ‘Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother and my sister and my mother’ (Mark 3:31-35).

The multitude wanted to see Jesus’ reaction to his family, but his priority was to preach the word of God. Peter had left his family to follow Jesus (Mark 10:28-31) and Jesus told him that he should not worry and that those who do such a thing will inherit eternal life (see also 2 Cor 5:17-19).

The new spiritual family relationships did not come accidentally but were chosen by God (Eph 1:3,4). It is not easy to become brothers and sisters in Christ, since we still have our human nature, our devil (1 Peter 2:1-3). I am reminded of ‘Gospel News’ January-March, 2010, page 29 and the piece on “Backsliding”, where our attention is drawn to the shrinking back from the truth by some brethren and sisters.

There are so many possible calamities which can come upon us (Rom 12:1,2; 2 Tim 4:7,8). The Christian life is a fight. Brethren and sisters, let us all be found among that group which has the good hand of the Lord upon us. God be with you all.

Bro Harris Mulongesha

Bro Harris Mulongesha (Ndola, Zambia)