True Family

True Family

Mary

Read: Mark 3:20-21, 31-35

When Mary and her sons became worried about Jesus’ mental condition, they tried to interrupt his ministry and take him home. The crowds of people surrounding Jesus had grown so large that he and his disciples couldn’t always find time to eat. Some people came to listen and learn; others came hoping for a miracle or out of curiosity; and some religious leaders came to criticize, even accusing Jesus of being possessed by Satan. Jesus’ family didn’t fully understand what he came to do, but they were concerned about his well-being.

Someone told Jesus that his family stood waiting outside to speak with him. His response may have surprised his mother. Jesus looked at those around him, and said, “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). Did Mary remember the time when she and Joseph searched for Jesus for three days and finally found him sitting in the Temple with the religious leaders? “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus had asked (Luke 2:49). Perhaps Mary felt a pang as she began to understand that the Son of God was now independent of earthly relationships and focused on the world he came to save.

Jesus never denied the importance of family, but he did point people to a higher, more important relationship—our place in God’s family. We don’t become Christians by being born in Christian families or nations. Our relationship with God doesn’t depend on our membership in a church or our impressive Christian service. The only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is by doing God’s will. We all begin by answering God’s invitation to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only payment for our sin. Then we become true members of God’s family.

[Jesus said,] “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

Matthew 7:21