3:31-35 What does Jesus mean by what He says here?

Jesus means that those who hear God's word and do it are just as important to Him as His own immediate family (cp Mt 12:46-50; Lk 8:19-21; 11:27-28).

Jesus is not disowning His family, but simply stating that spiritual kinship with Him goes beyond physical relationships.

Faith without obedience does not exist in the spiritual family of God (cp Mt 7:21-27; Ro 2:13; Jas 1:22-25, 2:14-26.

See also comments on Mt 7:13-14, 7:21; Ro 2:11-13; Jas 1:22-25, 2:14-26,

4:1-8 See comments on

Mt 13:3-9.