Family

He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12:48, 49 

It takes more than seeing or hearing to have a relationship.  Relating to someone with depth requires perceiving, listening, and responding.  That's when a friendship begins to grow.  That's how families get close.

From the point of the Sermon on the Mount until now, Jesus had been revealing Himself to the people through powerful teaching, miracles and healings.  All were amazed.  Some reacted by rejecting Him.  But some had responded and were truly in relationship with Him.

For those who simply wanted the show - to see the signs or to hear the next hot words - Jesus had harsh words.  His life in skin was not simply to show how mighty He was(is), every interaction with the people was an invitation for people to respond to Him - to become His family and to relate to Him, especially as obedient children.

We must not be ones who simply see or hear Him from afar.  It is critical that we respond and relate to Him.  This is how the family grows.