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DEVOTION
OPENING PRAYER
O God, loving parent of us all, we approach you in confidence that though father and mother forsake us, you will never forsake us, and that Jesus is a friend who sticks with us closer than a brother. O glorious bond. AMEN.
INTRODUCTION
We have all been misunderstood. Sometimes the misunderstanding brings glory and fame, other times it brings doubt, worry and intervention from others seeking to “help” us. Jesus endures both as he begins his ministry. People clammer to him to “receive healing and relief” from their suffering while others are envious and seeking to destroy him. His family comes to save him from himself. Let’s read the scripture.
SCRIPTURE
Mark 3:20-35 NIV
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A 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.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
REFLECTION
Jesus will not be deterred from his ministry. The crowds have pressed in upon him and his disciples to the degree that they have no time even to eat. People are demanding of Jesus to help them. It was becoming a mob scene. This reaction and chaos frightened his family. They come to save Jesus from himself. They do not understand who Jesus is. Jesus expects misunderstandings and welcomes them as opportunities to bring clarity, healing, and the good news of God to people. Jesus is not disrespecting his mother and brothers and sisters – he is simply remaining on God’s mission. All this is upsetting and seems abnormal to many. But this scripture is a glimpse of holiness.
I found this reflection by James C. Howell helpful.
Holiness only appears to be abnormal. The truth is, holiness is normal; to be anything else is to be abnormal. Being a saint is simply being the person God meant you to be. Saints at the end of the day are not really strange or odd or misfits. They are simply real, or normal. They actually are what we all are made to be, what we can be.
From Servants, Misfits, and Martyrs by James C. Howell
All disciples must remember the final verse of today’s scripture in times of chaos, misunderstanding and conflict. 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35). This verse gives us grounding and purpose even when everything is shifting under our feet. Always seek to do God’s will as disciples of Jesus Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER
My Lord, you said your mother, brothers and sisters were all those who did your will. Help me this day to accomplish your will for my life that you and I may be one. AMEN.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
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