Mark 1-3

3:31-35, ³¹And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. ³²And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.”³³And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” ³⁴And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”(ESV)

Some scholars believe his mother and brothers came looking for him because he must have been fatigued.  When one reads these first three chapters no wonder they would have thought that. At any rate his family was making a demand on Jesus that He wasn’t ready to fulfill. As in most situations He is involved with He turns it into a teachable moment. Here He makes it clear that a new relationship was being forged. There was no longer going to be layer upon layer of separation between God and us. In fact we have a familiar relationship with God the Son. We are brothers and sisters with Him. We are fellow heirs with Him. We inherit His Kingdom.

One of my favorite songs is “I am a Friend of God” (Israel Houghton). I cry when I sing that song. Not only am I a friend of God, He calls me friend, but I am a brother of Jesus. Now I think anyone reading this post is trying to seek strong after God, so you would fit this designation. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus. I can’t get my arms around it! Many times I think of myself much less than that. I don’t treat myself with that kind of respect, let alone allowing Jesus to treat me in that manner. When I read passages like this it is a reminder to me, not only of my standing before God, but also the encouragement to act in that way as well. Today I need to remember my standing and act and think accordingly. What a difference that will make.

Father God I am blown away by your generosity and grace that you would include me in your family — that I would be considered a brother of Jesus. Thank you for this glorious standing in You. I pray that I would act and think in that manner. Help me to bring glory to You as your son and friend. I pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

dmbaldwin

From the archives. Originally published October 13, 2009.

Advertisement