This seems so cold - that Jesus would "seemingly" turn up His nose at His own natural-born family. How could Jesus put the multitude of strangers before His own mother? However, this is not what this is about.

Through the pages of the Bible we know God holds family in high regard - honor your mother and father; and teachings on interaction between family members. So we can be confident that He is not telling His servants and followers to ignore or disrespect family. If Jesus' immediate presence was required, that crowd would have parted like the Red Sea and He would have gotten to His mother and brothers.

What we are to gather from this is "FOCUS". There will be occasion when on assignments that distractions will arise. The devil may move on people close to us to interrupt - it is not the people, but manipulating spirit(s) operating. It could be by sense of obligation, compassion and/or concern; stirring up emotion. 

The devil will employ guilt and shame to interfere in our focus when we make the difficult choice to ignore the symphony of heartstrings playing and continue on task, instead of  being drawn off course. There will also be those used to amplify the distraction, either calling out the need to veer off point, or highlighting the choice as neglect.

None of the devil's tactics carry any weight for God's servants...His children. GOD IS GREATER! He cares for and will take care of what concerns us, as we take care of what concerns Him. God will even give us peace when the enemy plays the "all is lost" card against us; and God will lead us in how to proceed in those difficult times. God will cause us to discern the legitimate calls to come; and ensure our arrival with exactly what is needed - prayer, answers, conversation, comfort, provision, fellowship.

As we keep our focus on God, He will instruct us on when we are to step away for a time - short or long; hearing His voice clearly - whether audibly, heart's impression or external affirmation; and with any needed direction and confirmation. In whatever we are to do, in whichever way we are to go... Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Classic

You (the Lord) will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

As we keep the right focus, obeying the Lord's commands (instruction) and deeming Him our life-Source in and for everything, He proclaims we are of the family of God; and, come what may, He  will keep us in peace. 

Keep the focus. 

Amen.