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Mark 3:20-21
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." |
There was clearly a time when Jesus' family not only doubted who He was, but also thought that He had lost His mind (Mark 3:31). I couldn't help but wonder how His own mother could be doubtful of who He was. Not only did she give birth to Him as a virgin, but an angel of the Lord appeared to her in person and told her who He was and what was going to happen (Luke 1:26-38). Surely she and His brothers saw Him growing in wisdom, favor, and stature with the Lord (Luke 2:52). Mary was previously so confident that she told the servants at the wedding to "do whatever He tells you" when they ran out of wine. (John 2:5) What happened to change her view of Jesus?
As I reflected on this, I began to think about Jesus saying, "Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). Jesus that lived with them is the same Jesus that lives in us. If His mother and brothers began to doubt Him, it can certainly happen to us. After all, as God's children, we are brothers and sisters of Christ.
It can be easy at times to allow the world to influence our thoughts and beliefs. There has certainly been times in my life when I allowed doubt to make its way into my thinking. Perhaps we have all been in a situation like Mary's where we were so certain He could turn water into wine, but somehow lost hope that He is able to heal the sick. For me, it is a reminder that even those who are close to Him can sometimes lose sight of all He is and everything He is doing.
Jesus,
Thank You for Your power, love, grace and mercy. Help us to never lose sight of who You are! Help us to never forget that as we journey through this world, we are not of this world! Thank you Lord for Your ways that are above our ways. Help us to never get so focused on the ways of this world that we forget it was You who created it! We love You Lord! Amen.
As I reflected on this, I began to think about Jesus saying, "Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). Jesus that lived with them is the same Jesus that lives in us. If His mother and brothers began to doubt Him, it can certainly happen to us. After all, as God's children, we are brothers and sisters of Christ.
It can be easy at times to allow the world to influence our thoughts and beliefs. There has certainly been times in my life when I allowed doubt to make its way into my thinking. Perhaps we have all been in a situation like Mary's where we were so certain He could turn water into wine, but somehow lost hope that He is able to heal the sick. For me, it is a reminder that even those who are close to Him can sometimes lose sight of all He is and everything He is doing.
Jesus,
Thank You for Your power, love, grace and mercy. Help us to never lose sight of who You are! Help us to never forget that as we journey through this world, we are not of this world! Thank you Lord for Your ways that are above our ways. Help us to never get so focused on the ways of this world that we forget it was You who created it! We love You Lord! Amen.
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