Family Ties

Scripture – Mark 3:31-35: ³¹Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. ³²A 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. ³⁴Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reflection: What was it like to be related to Jesus? To be in His immediate family? What did they know about Him growing up? What did they hear? What did they see? As we saw a couple days ago, at this point, his family pretty much thought He was crazy. (Mark 3:21) So here, presumably, they’ve come to take Him home. In response, Jesus puts out this new image of the wider family of God.

“Whoever does God’s will” is in the family – related to Jesus Christ. That’s why in a lot of churches and Christian communities, we call each other brother and sister. Having grown up with that idea, I tend to take it for granted. Yet, in Christ, everyone finds a place in the family. Everyone belongs.

I’ll remember that today. When I encounter fellow believers, I’ll remind myself we’re related. The family ties we have are stronger than any church membership role.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing me into the family. I’m sorry for being such an unpleasant member from time to time. Teach me to keep growing and filling whatever role you have for me. As you continue to show me my place in the family, save me from envying the roles you might assign to other people.