The close family relationship and the great family in the Bible

Tomasz Maria Dąbek OSB

Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie

Abstract

In biblical Israel family relations were very important. God created man in the image of Himself - male and female (Gn 1:27). The woman is a helper suitable for man (Gn 2:21-23) and both are the unity. The children are continuation of the life of their parents (Si 30:3-6). Twelve tribes were descendants of the twelve Jacobss sons and all Israel was one great family. The family duties were sacred as the holy war (cf. Dt 20:5.7; 24:5). God was for Israel as father or mother (cf. Dt 1:31; 8:56; Is 66:13; Hos 11:2s), redeemer of His debts (LaeGo, laeAG - Gö´ël, Gô´ël - Is 41:14; 49:7; Iz 59:20; cf. Ps 19:15). In the New Testament Christ lived in the human family, but He taught that His true family are those who hear the words of God and put them into practice (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21; 11:27s). No one who prefers father or mother, son or daughter to Jesus is worthy of Him (Mt 10:37; cf. Lk 14:26). He is opposed to divorce (Mk 10:2-12 par.) and ritual traditions opposite to help to father and mother (korban Mt 15:4-6; Mk 7:10-12; Lk 18:20). His doctrine will be a cause of dissension in the families (Mt 10:35s; Lk 12:52s). In the Church of Christ all are brothers and sisters (cf. Ac 1:13.15s; 6:3; 9:30; 10:23; Rm 1:13; 8:1; 16:1 Co 1:1.10; 7:15; 9:5; 16:11s.15.20; 2 Co 11:8; Ga 1:2; 1 Th 1:4; 5:25-27; 2 Th 1:3; 1 Tm 5:2; Phm 2; Jm 2:15) as adopted children of God (Rm 8:15-17), brothers and sisters of Jesus the eldest of many brothers (Rz 8:29). He is our Redeemer (Tt 2:14; cf. Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; Lk 21:28; 24:21; Rm 3:24; 8:23; 1 Co 1:30; Ga 3:13; 4:5; Ep 1:7.14; 4:30; Col1:14; Heb 9:12.15; 1 P 1:18) by His Blood. The biblical references from "The New Jerusalem Bible", Garden City - New York 1985.