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

  • John 8:31-32
  • John 14:21-23
  • Mark 6:1-6

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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."

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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.

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