Mark 3:31-35

Passage

Once more Jesus’ family comes back to Him.  They call out for Him and send for Him.  The crowd was around Him, and they let Him know that His family was there.  Jesus asks the crowd, “Who are my mothers and brothers?”  He looks out among the crowd and exclaims that His mother and brothers are around Him.  After all, everyone who does the will of God is Jesus’ family.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus takes every opportunity to teach.  This is a really cool part of Jesus.  Nothing escapes His attention.  No opportunity is too small for Jesus to use.  Even the appearance of Jesus’ family is an opportunity to teach.

What does this show us about Jesus’ perspective on life?  What does this passage tell us about His attitude for teaching and discipleship?

Second Thought:

Jesus’ family comes looking for Him.  They continue to think that He’s insane.  This time they really want to get to Him.  They come and they call for Him.  They call for Him enough that the crowd lets Him know – just in case Jesus wasn’t aware, of course.  It is interesting that when Jesus was alive, His own family missed what He was about.  {For the record, we know that a few of His siblings did understand after Jesus’ resurrection.  So I’m not trying to speak poorly of their actions forever – just while He’s alive.}

Why do you think that Jesus’ family doesn’t get Him?  Upon what might they be focused?  How easy is it to miss what Jesus is trying to do in our lives?

Third Thought:

Jesus tells us a very important lesson.  Spirituality is thicker than blood.  Jesus might have blood relatives – but the family in which He was interested is the people who are following God.  Family is important, but what really connects us with one another is God.  Of course, this passage has a spiritual element as well.  When eternal life rolls around and we are with God forever, it will be the spiritual ones around us who will be there with us forever – regardless of what bloodline they have flowing through their veins.

Do you feel challenged by thinking that spirituality is more significant than blood?  Who are the people who are closest to you spiritually?  Therefore, who are your spiritual brothers and sisters?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 4:1-2