13 May 2019 – Mark 3:31-35 (NIV)
Scripture
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Reflection
These verses form part of the bigger pericope (a set of verses that forms one coherent unit or thought) in Mark 3. In the beginning of the pericope Jesus was teaching the crowd that it was a great sin to slander the Holy Spirit. Then we read Jesus’ mother and brothers arriving and asked to meet him. However, Jesus didn’t invite them in as one would expect and by doing this, he redefined what family relationships are (especially) in God. The point Jesus was conveying was to obey God’s will is more important than your earthly family. We often call the church our spiritual family, but this would not be the case if the church refrain from obeying God’s will. Church can only be called a family when she is obedient to God’s will. Remember Church is not just about gathering, but it’s also about devoting oneself to obedience. Let this be a reminder to us that we are in a new family, God’s family, but it also comes with responsibilities. Obedience to God’s will is one of them (Woowon- Korean Community Group leader).
Thoughts for the day
- Do you strive to be obedient in all you do?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for those who are spiritually lost that they may surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ and receive salvation in His name.