Mark 3: Who Are My Mother and My Brothers?

Mark 3:31-35 

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

   ³¹ Then His mother and His brothers came and, standing outside, they sent word to Him, calling [for] Him.

   ³² And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Your mother and Your brothers and Your sisters are outside asking for You.

   ³³ And He replied, Who are My mother and My brothers?

   ³⁴ And looking around on those who sat in a circle about Him, He said, See! Here are My mother and My brothers;

   ³⁵ For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!

Jesus' ministry was out of the religious box.  His compassion for those who were hurting emotionally, physically, and spiritually trumped the law of men.  

Imagine living in a system when God's prescribed day of rest (the Sabbath) was enclosed in a box, which constricted the peoples' heart of compassion in such a way that the "rest" (doing nothing) was more important then healing hurting people.

How dare He?  

Cast out demons. verse 11

Restore a withered hand. verse 5

Heal all who had distressing bodily diseases. verse 10

Jesus was so counter culture, that he was accused of being "possessed by Beelzebub." verse 22

Even Jesus' kinsmen (His family) tried to stop Him from doing good by ministering to others.  They even labeled Him as "deranged." verse 21

It was in this setting that Jesus asked, "Who are My mother and My brothers?" I used to think Jesus was disrespecting His family with that question, but He was trying to teach everyone a better way.  

Listen to what God says to do and then do it no matter what others who are caught in the religious system of do' s and don't s says.  

Jesus says that those who do the things that God wills are His mother and His brothers!

Holy Spirit of the Living God, empower us to hear and to obey by doing.  Whether physically resting or physically acting to touch others, guide and empower us.  In the great and awesome name of Jesus, AMEN!