JESUS IS CALLING

I grew up in a neighborhood full of adventure. Every afternoon whether it was the playground bully, children from the rival complex coming to challenge us in football, or being picked on by friends. There always seemed to be opposition present. So much after while we all got adjusted and it just became a way of life. Through all of the opposing forces that misunderstood me the one thing that kept me grounded was family! Family is one of the deepest places of belonging we experience in life. We all long to be known, loved, accepted, and wanted. The greatest family connection is not based on bloodlines, culture, or comfort—it is based on faith and obedience to God.

In this passage, Jesus is misunderstood by the people closest to Him. His family says He is “out of His mind,” and the religious leaders accuse Him of being empowered by demons. Instead of recognizing the work of God, they stand against Him. Yet while rejection surrounds Jesus, He turns toward a different group of people—those sitting at His feet, listening, believing, and following Him.

When Jesus’ mother and brothers arrive, the crowd tells Him they are outside looking for Him. Jesus responds with shocking words: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then He looks at His disciples and says, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:33–35).

Jesus is not dishonoring His earthly family. He is revealing something greater: through faith in Him, we are welcomed into the family of God.

What incredible grace. We who were once separated by sin are invited to sit with Jesus as sons and daughters. No matter how great the external opposition we have this confidence in an eternal redemption and hope.  What you lose for Christ is far outweighed by what you gain in Christ.

Today, don’t stand outside resisting Jesus. Sit at His feet. Surrender fully to Him. Because those who follow Jesus are not merely servants—they are family.