Jesus told them that some people are as dear to him as his own relatives.

Luke 8:19-21

19 One day Jesus’ mother and his younger brothers came to see him, but they could not get near him because there was a large crowd around him in the house. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and your younger brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “Those who hear God’s message and obey it are as dear to me [MET] as my mother and my brothers.”