ON YOUR MARK: WEEK 3 DAY 6

Mark 3:31-34

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Since Mark didn’t use some of the Old Testament texts that Matthew used, nor did he rely on the genealogies of Matthew and Luke to explain Jesus’ identity, Mark’s Gospel appears to be written for those who were Gentiles. These Gentiles were part of pagan religions outside of the Jewish people. Imagine with me what it was like for those people, who upon believing the Gospel, would be rejected, abandoned, and even hated by their families. These words of Jesus that Mark records must have been so encouraging.

This passage we read today is still encouraging to us presently. If following Jesus has brought you to a point that your earthly family has rejected you, take heart. Whoever does God’s will is part of Jesus’ family. You are welcomed, accepted, and loved by your new family. Read this passage from Isaiah 49:15-16 for more encouragement:

15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

    and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget,

    I will not forget you!

16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

    your walls are ever before me.