Mat 12:46-48, Luk 8:19-21 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 46-50. See also . His brethren . There has been some difference of opinion about the persons who were meant here; some supposing that they were children of Mary his mother, others that they were the children of Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alpheus his cousins , and called brethren according to the customs of the Jews. The natural and obvious meaning is, however, that they were the children of Mary his mother. See also . To this opinion, moreover, there can be no valid objection. (u) "his mother" (v) "brethren stood"

Matthew 12:46-48

Verses 46-50. See also Mk 3:31-35, Lk 8:19-21.

His brethren. There has been some difference of opinion about the persons who were meant here; some supposing that they were children of Mary his mother, others that they were the children of Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alpheus his cousins, and called brethren according to the customs of the Jews. The natural and obvious meaning is, however, that they were the children of Mary his mother. See also Mk 6:3. To this opinion, moreover, there can be no valid objection.

(u) "his mother" Mk 3:31, Lk 8:19 (v) "brethren stood" Mt 13:55 Verse 47. Mt 12:46 Verse 48. Who is my mother? etc. There was no want of affection or respect in Jesus towards his mother, as is proved by his whole life. See especially Lk 2:51, Jn 19:25-27. This question was asked merely to fix the attention of the hearers, and to prepare them for the answer; that is, to show them who sustained towards him the nearest and most tender relation. To do this he pointed to his disciples: Dear and tender as were the ties which bound him to his mother and brethren, yet those which bound him to his disciples were more tender and sacred. How great was his love for his disciples, when it was more than even that for his mother! And what a bright illustration of his own doctrine, that we ought to forsake father, and mother, and friends, and-houses, and lands, to be his followers.

Luke 8:19-21

Verse 19.

Mt 12:46, and Mt 12:47-50

(y) "Then came to him" Mt 12:46, Mk 3:32