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

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Then Jesus' mother and brothers came. They stood outside and sent a person in to tell Jesus to come out. Many people were sitting around Jesus. They said to him, "Your mother and brothers are waiting for you outside." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then Jesus looked at those people sitting around him. He said, "These people are my mother and my brothers! My true brother and sister and mother are those people that do the things God wants."
— Mark 3:31-35 NLT
Illustration of Mark 3:31-35 NLT — "These people are my mother and my brothers! My true brother and sister and mother are those people that do the things God wants."

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 physical family. 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 for your will in the future. Dear Father, I want to show my love to you, and to your Son, by doing what you ask and obeying what you command of me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 8:31-32
  • John 14:21-23
  • Mark 4:35-41

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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