7th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 11:00 AM
Rm 312
Presenter(s): Ariane Smith
Title: Matthew 12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35: Jesus’ Redefinition of Family
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Ken Vandergriff , Christian Studies

In Matthew 12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35, Jesus teaches that a Christian’s loyalty must first be to the family of God rather than the biological family. A Christian may have to abandon his or her earthly family in order to follow Christ; however, Christ in turn provides him or her with a new, spiritual family of believers of which God is the Father. While aiding biological families in their relationships with one another has great significance, ministers must not forget the significance of growing and strengthening the family of God.