“And He came home, and the multitude gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. And when His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him, for they were saying, ‘He has lost His senses.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul,’ and ‘He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons’” (Mark 3:20-22).
Think about it. Wherever Jesus went He was always gathering a crowd, yet in His own hometown detractors were everywhere: his neighbors, family members, and the religious elite from Jerusalem. It would seem that after witnessing another of Jesus’ relatives, John the Baptist and his unorthodox ways, they would get used to the idea that God does things differently than many of us are comfortable with. Not to mention, stories of the prophets, their set apart lifestyles and the miracles they performed, were still circulating centuries later. Then why is this so threatening, an itinerant teacher who heals and shows compassion to those from all walks of life? What’s so great about the expected, conventional practices of daily life, or religious life?
Jesus came with unmistakable authority. He also was no respecter of persons. Anyone was eligible to be shown mercy and receive truth to live by. Jesus brings Life and Light to lives. The multitudes responded to His new approach and benefitted when they demonstrated faith. He said He forgave their sins and came to do the will of His Father. Then welcomed them into the family.
“And His mother and brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him…A multitude was sitting around Him…and said to Him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for You’…He said, ‘Who are My mother and my brothers’…looking around on those sitting around Him…’Behold My mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, his is My brother and sister and mother’” (v. 31-35).
A Risky Prayer
God, my Father, help me, and those like me, to accept this version of family life. Let the love You give extend to strangers, not just friends and relatives. Let me, and those like me, be willing to be considered crazy, “having lost my senses,” because I want to follow Your plans, rather than my own, or ones imposed on me by others. Help me risk rejection if following You is unpopular with some. And let me appreciate my brothers and sisters who place their faith in You, because of Your Son. Amen.
The Air I Breathe
This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence living in me.
This is my daily bread,
This is my daily bread,
Your very word spoken to me.
And I, I'm desperate for you.
And I, I'm lost without you.
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