Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:31-35 (NLT)
In this moment, Jesus redefines what it means to be family. His biological family comes looking for Him, but He responds in a way that might seem surprising: He prioritizes spiritual connection over blood ties.
It’s possible His family didn’t fully understand Him at this point. They might have thought He was out of His mind (Mark 3:21). They didn’t grasp His mission, and even His own brothers never seemed supportive of His ministry until after His death and resurrection (John 7:5). Yet Jesus, while not rejecting His flesh-and-blood family, reveals a deeper truth: the family of God is formed through shared obedience to His will.
This can be a hard teaching! Many of us cherish our families deeply, and it’s natural to expect that blood ties would come with certain privileges. But Jesus reminds us that our spiritual relationships – those united by faith, love, and obedience to God – are eternal and central in His kingdom.
So, if your earthly family struggles to understand your walk with God, take heart! You belong to a greater family, one bound together by a love and purpose that transcends biology! Let this truth encourage you to deepen your obedience to God and to nurture those relationships with your spiritual brothers and sisters.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for welcoming me into Your family. Help me to walk in obedience to Your will and love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Give us grace to share Your love with those who may not yet understand. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 