READ: Mark 3: 31-35
For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother. – Mark 3:35
The family of Jesus is concerned by His actions (v. 20-21). This seems caring, but they do not see that Jesus is doing the will of God by preaching salvation, calling for repentance, and confirming His words with miracles. In Him, God shows compassion to His people, saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!”
The scribes try to silence Him by associating His actions with Satan, and even His own family tries to keep Jesus from His redemptive work. Even though Jesus loves them, in their words He hears His great adversary at work (compare 8:32-33).
Now, His brothers and mother come to Him while the crowd is sitting around Him listening. Will He give up His heavenly teaching for them? Christ is gathering His Church in preparation for Easter and Pentecost; He has already appointed His apostles (v. 7-19). Therefore, the Lord responds: Who is My family? Is family a matter of blood ties, or is there a bond that transcends it?
Jesus does not say goodbye to His mother and brothers. Instead, He calls them to also be mothers and brothers in the Lord by obeying God’s will. This is characteristic of the Church that He has gathered since Creation. This Church becomes visible here when it listens to the Word that Jesus preaches.
Thus, Jesus can invite His own family to look at the Church that He has brought together around His Word, saying “Whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.” The communion of saints goes beyond blood ties, calling us to do the will of God together in the warm unity of true faith.
How do you contribute to the communion of saints?
Singing: Ps. 133:1,2