Wednesday 30 October 2024

Psalm 25

Background
In the previous section of this chapter we were told that Jesus’ family were worried that his behaviour meant that he had “gone out of his mind”. As a result they “went out to restrain him” (Mark 3:21). This is now continued as we see that Jesus’ mother and brothers try to make direct contact with him. Whether his sisters are also present is unclear, as they are not mentioned in the initial description but are added in the words of the messenger speaking to Jesus. There is also no mention of his father (Joseph) but he makes no appearance in the Bible outside the birth and childhood narratives of Matthew and Luke. As Mary, Jesus' mother, is accompanied by her adult children, perhaps this suggests that Joseph has died.

It's noticeable that that the family don’t actually meet directly with Jesus. They send a message to the place where Jesus is and also call to him (v. 31). Jesus does not address them directly, but instead talks to the people around him. Perhaps this is because of the sheer size of the crowd around Jesus making it difficult for others to squeeze in, but nevertheless it seems to us, as 21st-century readers, a very odd situation. Did Jesus really no longer care for his birth family? Were they so estranged that they no longer met together? And yet at the time of the crucifixion we witness Mary, the mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross (John 19:25) and Jesus entrusting the care of his mother to his disciple John (John 19:27). That does not suggest a breakdown in the relationship between mother and son.

The gospel writer instead seems to want to use this incident to enable Jesus to speak directly to his followers and to assure them of the significant relationship they now have with each other. His true siblings are no longer just those who are related to him but all those who believe and follow him. This extended family knows no end, for now “whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (v. 35). And this inclusive all-embracing message is one that the Early Church will also hear and place great importance on: “And I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

To Ponder:

• Have there been times when your family have questioned your faith? If so, how did you respond? Pray for those around the world who are ostracised and even threatened by family members because of their Christian faith.
• If you are member of a church community, consider the importance of that family relationship to you, and give thanks for those who make that a reality.

Prayer
Parent God, we pray for our families, for those close to us and those who may be more distant, whether because of geography or due to troubled relationships. And we pray too for those who feel alone, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who do not know their parents or birth relatives. Help them to know that they are your children. Amen.

Bible notes author: Dr Richard Vautrey
Dr Richard Vautrey is a local preacher and church steward in Leeds, and a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He works as a GP and is a former chair of the BMA's GP committee.