Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 12:50
(50) Whosoever shall do the will.—This is, then, what Christ recognises as the ground of a spiritual relationship. Not outward, but inward fellowship; not the mere fact of baptism, but that which baptism signifies; that doing the will of God, which is the essence of holiness—this is that which makes the disciple as dear to the heart of Christ as was the mother whom He loved so truly.Sister, and mother.—The special mention of the sister suggests the thought that those who bore that name had... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 12:49
(49) Behold my mother and my brethren.—The words assert in its strongest form the truth which we all acknowledge, that though natural relationships involve duties which may not be neglected, spiritual relationships, the sense of brotherhood in a great cause, of devotion to the same Master, are above them, and that when the two clash (as in the case supposed in Matthew 10:37), the latter must of right prevail.The words have naturally occupied a prominent position in the controversial writings of... read more