What Jesus Did! 'Jesus' Family' — Mark 3:31-35

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you."

Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

— Mark 3:31-35 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' family can be found where the words of Jesus and the will of God are cherished and obeyed. This is not said to slight those with whom we have biological family ties. However, it is a reminder that our family relationship in the Spirit of God is stronger than even our ties to our physical families. Jesus' family is the forever-family of people who love him, obey him, and allow his Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower them.

Today's Prayer

Precious God and Righteous Father, forgive me for my disobedience in the past. Empower and encourage me to be more passionate about your will in the future. Dear Father, I want to show my love to you, and to your Son, by doing what you ask of me and obeying what you command me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Kryptonite of Grace
Article by Phil Ware
Why in the world would Mark tell this story about what Jesus couldn't do after telling about four powerful miracles Jesus did? Phil Ware challenges us with a hard truth about our low expectations of what we believe Jesus can do with us, for us, and through us -- are we, the church, the Nazareth of today?
From Son to Savior
Article by Phil Ware
How did Mary handle the transition of Jesus from her little boy to her Lord? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary the mother of Jesus called Window to Wonder talking about the transition of Jesus from Mary's little boy to her Lord.
Just Do It!®
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Read My harsh words to the Pharisees about their all-talk-legalism and not-much-help religion (Matthew 23:1-36). When you do, you will..."
Dawn of The New Way: Lifted Up
Article by Phil Ware
Do you think James was really there through all of this mess? Phil Ware shares some insight and background on James the brother of Jesus and how he disbelieved, but came to faith.
See All 8 Related Resources about Mark 3:31-35

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:31-35 NLT — "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 24, 2024

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Use Them' (Ro. 12:6-8)
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving,..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Still Remembered to This Day!' (Je. 32:20)
"[O Lord] You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt — things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Perfect Sacrifice' (He. 9:11-14)
"Dear Father, Thank you that when Christ appeared as a High Priest, he entered into the Holy Place and took not the blood of bulls and goats, but his...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 13:14
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!