Quarantine Epistles Vol 2:45

Jesus’ True Family. Mark 3:31-35.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!”For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Dear Ambassadors of the Risen King, 

The closeness of this account to the one where Jesus’ family thought him mad (v. 21) is deliberate. They may not have necessarily happened in close chronological sequence, but Mark wants us to connect the two.

 Call (v. 31). The same family that thought Jesus was out of his mind is now looking for him. It could be that there was a family matter they wanted him to handle, but look for him they did. It is foolish to disregard or dismiss a person because we do not share his point of view. You never know when you are going to need him. The brothers now have to eat humble pie. 

 Company (v. 32). When it was told Jesus that his mother and brothers were looking for him, a crowd was sitting around him. The word “crowd” is also deliberate. It is meant to communicate that the pessimism and skepticism of his immediate family had no significant impact on the popularity of Jesus. When they came seeking him, he had a crowd around him. This also communicates to us that our attitude towards Jesus affects only us. Others continue to believe and follow. 

 Clarification (vv. 33-35). Jesus identifies those following him and keeping him company as his immediate family. But it is not just by “hanging out with” Jesus that one qualifies as family. The key is obedience to God’s will. It is possible to be with Jesus and not do God’s will. We should not fool ourselves in such a case that we are in Jesus’ family. Where do you stand?

Your Loving Pastor Chris.