Mark 3:31-35
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.”
Sometimes, siblings look alike. In fact, we usually expect that children from the same parents will look alike. We expect that they will “match” or “go together” as a family group. But, there is something else that makes us notice a resemblance, even when siblings not only don’t look alike, but are adopted. I’m talking about the shared values and behavior of a family. These are actually more important than just appearance.
Jesus taught that those who do the will of God are His true family. The people who said that His mother and brothers were looking for Jesus gave Jesus an opportunity to teach them about the most important family, namely the family of our heavenly Father. Those who do the will of God, show that they are Jesus’ true family as well.
Jesus came to offer Himself on the cross to save us, because His Father is gracious and loving. God’s generosity is shown in giving everything for our salvation as gift through faith in Jesus. As we believe in Jesus, we are set free from sin to show our true family resemblance. God’s love for the world, resulted in Jesus coming to save. Jesus coming to save, results in our salvation. The Holy Spirit’s work grants us faith and transforms us. By the Grace of God, we are His workmanship and daily resemble our true family.
May God grant you joy today as you remember that you are truly Jesus’ family because you believe in Him. Through daily repentance and renewal by the Holy Spirit all people see clearly the resemblance of a Christian to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray,
Lord I thank you for bringing me into your family through my baptism where I was united personally with Jesus’ saving work. May your will be evident in my life today so that all people will see you in me. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.