ESOCS Devotional 11 March 2023
TEXT: MARK 3:23-35
MEMORY VERSE: “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” Mark 3:35 NKJV
Mark 3:31–35 is this section’s final account of the reactions people have toward Jesus’ ministry. Here, Jesus redefines the concept of ”family.” His mother and brothers, some thinking He is out of His mind, have come to bring Him back to Nazareth (Mark 3:21). In contrast, a large group fills a home, probably Peter and Andrew’s, intently listening to Jesus teach. Jesus declares that it is this audience—those who do God’s will—who are His family, not the people who are related by blood. This account is also found in Matthew 12:46–50 and Luke 8:19–21.
Jesus shows us the tension which occurs when a parent’s wish contradicts God’s will. Jesus will not follow Mary back to Nazareth, but He does believe in honoring one’s parents. Although He warns that it is sometimes necessary to leave family for the sake of the gospel (Mark 10:28–30). He also teaches that taking care of parents is an essential part of worshiping God (Mark 7:9–13). Jesus exemplifies this responsibility. While hanging from the cross, He makes sure Mary was
cared for (John 19:26–27).
Eventually, Mary and at least two of Jesus’ brothers join His spiritual family. James becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem and writes the book James. Judas writes the book Jude. Although Jesus has to leave them for a time, geographically, relationally, and spiritually, they are welcomed
into the body of believers.
The passage says Jesus’ family is comprised of those who do God’s will. The first and most important point of obedience is believing in Christ. Having faith that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and was raised again gets us in to God’s family. Obeying God in other areas gives evidence that we are in God’s family (James 1:22; 2:18) and makes the family much
more peaceful (Ephesians 4:1–6).
All are welcome in God’s family, and the angels respond with joy when they come (Luke 15:10).
Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Are you walking towards becoming a kingdom citizen?
- Heavenly Father, Thank You for this amazing relationship that I have in Christ Jesus and I pray that by Your grace I may present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you, in Jesus name, AMEN.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 6:1-13; 1 Kings 11: 26-40; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 11 March 2023
