Lent 2026 Day 3: Fri 20 Feb
Mark 3:31-35
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, 32 and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” 33 But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” 34 Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus’ family has turned up. Mark does not mince his words. Nor do Matthew and Luke in their recounting of the event. Jesus has extended his family to include not only his immediate family but also those who do God’s will. By this we can imagine that Jesus meant those who followed the Law, as it is unlikely that God had personally revealed his will to every individual. While Jesus’ family may have been concerned and had not understood Jesus’ mission his words were not a rejection of them. Remember what he said to the disciple he loved at his crucifixion.
However, the context of this event is not the same in Matthew and Luke. Luke includes some of Jesus’ teachings, a feature that Mark tends to avoid. Matthew’s account of the accusation the scribes made is ascribed to (local) Pharisees after Jesus had cleansed and healed a demon-possessed man. Matthew’s and Luke’s versions share some common ground.
Each Gospel-writer is drawing on sources of information gathered from listeners and eyewitnesses, presenting it for the audience for whom they are writing. Mark maintains a lean narrative according to his purpose of revealing Jesus Christ to his readers and listeners.
How well do you know God’s will for your life?
Who is your family?
Father God, your Son Jesus has brought us into a new relationship with You and with all those who also call you “Father”. Reveal to me the joy and privilege of being part of your family, I pray. Amen.
This reading, performed by Max McClean
Paul