Luke 8:20

And it was announced to him: "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." The word is inside, the light is inside; whence above: "So that those entering may see the light." So if even parents standing outside are not recognized, …

For they cannot enter within when He is teaching whose words they refuse to understand spiritually. But the multitude went before and entered into the house, because when the Jews rejected Christ the Gentiles flocked to Him. But those who stand without, wishing to see Christ, are they, who not seeking a spiritual sense in the law, have placed themselves without to guard the letter of it, and as it were rather compel Christ to go out, to teach them earthly things, than consent to enter in themselves to learn spiritual things.

And it was told him by certain, which said,.... The phrase, "which said", is omitted in the Vulgate Latin version, and in Beza's most ancient copy. The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions only read, "and they said unto him"; and the Persic version renders it, "a certain person said"; some one person, as in Mat 12:47 thy mother, and thy brethren, stand without, desiring to see thee; and to speak with thee, as in Mat 12:47. See Gill on Mat 12:47.

Christ is pleased to own those as his nearest and dearest relations that hear the word of God and do it; they are to him more than his mother and brethren. Christ's Power over the Winds; Christ's Power over the Devils.

These verses form a practical application of the famous parable of the sower. They are intended to nail and clench in our minds — the mighty lessons which that parable contains. They deserve the especial attention of all true-hearted hearers of the Gospel of Christ. We learn, firstly, from these verses — that spiritual knowledge ought to be diligently used. Our Lord tells us that spiritual knowledge is like a lighted candle — utterly useless, when covered with a bushel, or put under a bed. It is only useful when set upon a candlestick, and placed where it can be made serviceable to the needs of men. When we hear this lesson, let us first think of OURSELVES. The Gospel which we possess was not given us only to be admired, talked of, and professed — but to be practiced . It was not meant merely to reside in our intellect, and memories, and tongues — but to be seen is our lives . Christianity is a talent committed to our charge, and one which brings with it great responsibility. We are not in darkness like the heathen. A glorious light is put before us. Let us take heed that we use it. While we have the light — let us walk in the light. (John 12:35.) But let us not only think of ourselves — let us also think of OTHERS. There are millions in the world who have no spiritual light at all. They are without God, without Christ, and without hope. (Ephesians 2:12.) Can we do nothing for them? There are thousands around us, in our own land, who are unconverted and dead in sins, seeing nothing and knowing nothing aright. Can we do nothing for them? These are questions to which every true Christian ought to find an answer. We should strive, in every way, to spread our religion. The highest form of selfishness, is that of the man who is content to go to Heaven alone.