Then his mother and his brothers came; and
standing outside, they sent to him and called him.
A crowd was sitting around
him; and
they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And looking at those who sat around him, he
said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever
does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
(Mark
3:31-32, 34-35)
The family of Jesus wondered about his state
of mind. Earlier in this chapter, Mark
tells us that they came to take him home because they had heard the reports that
made them question his sanity. They have returned in our text, hoping that the
connection they shared as family would lure him away from the crowd and back
home. He wasn’t out of his mind, but in
response to their concerns, he taught them and others about relationship in the
kingdom. Doing the will of God is the
true indicator of relationship with Jesus.
No, Jesus’ words here are not anti-family,
but they do remind us that our relationship with God is of greatest value. We
are a part of the family of God, brothers and sisters whose identity is observed
in obedience to the will of God. The cross calls us to obedience as Jesus, our
brother, willingly gives his life for all.
Sisters and brothers, that is good news for our Lenten
journey.
Prayer: May we follow faithfully,
obediently wherever you lead us, Lord.
Amen.
Jim
Abernathy
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