The teacher was doing some audacious things. He healed people from a variety of illnesses. Taught with an authority not heard in centuries. Challenged the ruling elite. Word was circulating that he was crazy, out of his mind. So his family, mother and siblings, rushed to find him and bring him home for rest and healing.
So the teacher used this as yet another teaching example. When told his family was outside the building and had come to take him home for healing, Jesus told those gathered around, “Who is my family? Those who do the will of God are my family.”
A little later in the story as told by Mark, a woman of great faith who was unclean, that is, outside the family of faith, touched him thinking that by merely touching his clothing she would be made whole and restored to the family of God. Jesus said, “My daughter, your faith has made you whole.” In other words, he welcomed her back into the family of God.
Jesus’ choice of words was certainly meant to shake up the preconceived ideas of his listeners. Get them thinking in a new, God-filled way about life. Think of the spiritual life as a life as part of a family composed of all who are doing the will of God. We watch out for family. We “have their backs” as the phrase goes. We do things for the family. But unlike a biological family, this family can grow. By seeking people outside the family and doing good for them, we can bring them into the family. Indeed, God wishes us to go outside the family and bring others in. Hence the parables about great harvest and others about bearing fruit.
Faith Venture 
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