Thoughts for the Day

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version_

Thoughts

Two days ago we looked at the fact that Jesus' family had arrived among the chaos of supporters and antagonists outside the house in Capernaum where Jesus is staying. Now Mark continues with the story and gives a little more detail. His mother Mary is apparently present along with some of his brothers. After Jesus has been attacked by the Scribes sent by the ruling body, the Sanhedrin, as being in league with the devil they have made the 20 mile journey from Nazareth to find out what is going on. Jesus is still in teaching mode and uses this fact to make a point, that one's closest people are not necessarily one's family. Indeed If our family are Christians then we are indeed fortunate.

History is littered with examples of Christians who were given up to their enemies by their families or friends, as Johnnie Moore recounts in his book 'Martyr's Oath' about the present age and the ongoing struggle between Islam and Christianity. He tells the story of a Syrian refugee and his family who living in the US convert to Christianity and whose family threaten to crucify them. Of another, a 33 year old Iraqi man who is attacked and tortured by Iraqi extremists only to escape death (having been thrown in a grave) to have his father tell the terrorists they should kill him if he won't renounce his faith as a Christian.

Jesus' family were obviously motivated by their love for him and indeed were to go on to be prominent members of the new Church after his death, notably James, Joseph (known as Joses), Judas (known as Jude), and Simon. From this little section I don't think we can see anything hugely negative in the words of Jesus, rather he is making the point that our true "family" should ideally be those whom we share our greatest treasure - that is, the love of the Lord Jesus and our desire to share that with others to bring them into the Kingdom of God.

Lord Jesus,
You have taught us that we are children of God,
that we should call Him, Father,
and that we are members of one family.
Teach us what true community is all about;
show us how to care for the vulnerable and weak;
how to welcome newcomers and visitors;
and encourage us to nurture each other,
within the Christian family.
Amen.