Family Redefined – Mark 3 v 31-35

Verse 31-32: “Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.'”

Jesus is in the middle of some intense teaching, and suddenly, word gets to Him that His mother and brothers are outside, wanting to talk.

Verse 33-35: ” ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.'”

But, Jesus, instead of rushing to see His family, does something unexpected. He looks at the people around Him—His disciples, those hungry for God’s word—and says, “These people right here, doing God’s will? They’re my family.”

Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of family. It’s not just about blood ties; it’s about shared commitment to God’s will. Our spiritual family can be just as, if not more, significant. Jesus doesn’t exclude anyone. He extends the definition of family to include everyone who aligns with God’s will. It’s a call to create an inclusive, diverse community. The ultimate bond is not just shared DNA but shared purpose. Doing God’s will becomes the tie that binds, making us brothers, sisters, and mothers in a spiritual sense. We have the power to choose our spiritual family. It’s not just about the family we’re born into; it’s about surrounding ourselves with those who share our commitment to following God.