I am glad that you are taking this journey with me. I missed our walk together yesterday, but lace up your sandals, grab your walking stick, and let us get on our way this morning. Today as we arrive at the third chapter of Mark, we find this man, Jesus, performing great compassionate deeds and teaching intriguing ideas that go against the common thought of His day.

• Mark 3:1-6, Jesus heals a man with withered hand in a very public way on the Sabbath.
  

  Family time! (07.12.2010)

• Mark 3:7-10, Many people begin to follow Jesus, to see what He does and listen to what He says.
• Mark 3:11-12, Unclean spirits (demons) begin to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God.
• Mark 3:13-19, Mark gives his readers a list of the twelve that we will come call the apostles.
• Mark 3:20-27, Jesus claims He can not be a servant of Satan. Satan would not divide his forces against each other.
• Mark 3:28-30, Jesus warns against attributing to Satan the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Mark 3:31-35, Jesus’ family.

Take time to investigate the last section, “And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mar 3:31-35).

Jesus, as he is beginning his earthy ministry (service to man), is calling people to follow Him and to learn more about God from His teaching and example. His mother and his brothers are not coming to Him to follow, but they are asking Him to come to them, they want to take Him home. They seem to think Jesus is out of His mind. They may even see Him as an embarrassment to the family.  Mary may have concerns that if Jesus continues to publicly challenge the Scribes and Pharisees that it could mean His death.  She has greater plans for Him. After all, she knows that He is special!

Jesus seizes the opportunity to teach about family.  Family is more that those who share a physical bond. Family are those with whom you share a common spirit and goal. Specifically for Jesus, His family are those who follow Him and long to learn from Him. They, in turn, are also each others’ family. I am remembering a couple of proverbs, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Pro 17:17). “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Pro 18:24).

Jesus still invites people to follow Him and to be a part of His family. He invites you, “Why are you waiting?” (Acts 22:16).

What other lessons do you see on this leg of our journey?

– Scott