God's Family

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.”

Mark 3:31-35 (ESV)

We find Jesus in his home town preaching the good news and healing those around him. When His mother and brothers come looking for him to take him home. They have come not because they desire to see Him but because they believe him to be out of His mind:

21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.

Mark 3:21 (NLT)

So when they do get there they send for Him to come out of the house. And Jesus asked the question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” I ask you that same question today. Have you had backs turned on you because of the gospel of Christ? Has your family turned away from you and avoids talking to you? Do you no longer get invited to family functions because you are known as the bible thumper in your family? It is alright if your earthly family thinks you’re crazy because you have chosen to trust in God. Jesus tells us that we will be ok. Because when we walk with Him he brings us into a new family. We are not alone and we never will be again. The fellowship of believers is one of the greatest strengths found in and outside of the church. When we choose Jesus we become sons and daughters of God. This brings us into a family that is filled with love, peace and mercy.  You now belong to a much larger family and they are to love one another as Jesus loves them.

At least that is how it should be. Jesus instructs us if you have something against your brother you are to stop what you are doing and seek forgiveness so that your prayers will not go unheard. I challenge you today; as God’s mercy and forgiveness has been given to you through His son Jesus Christ, you should offer and give forgiveness in the same way. As we all walk in the light of God’s Word let our fellowship of believers look more and more like the Family God intended it to be. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s word.