Mark 3:20-35

Be Still: Lord, I know that my battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, the principalities, and the spiritual forces of darkness of this world. Holy Spirit, come and arm me for battle. Amen

Read: Mark 3:20-35

A crowd was sitting round him, and they told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.’ Who are my mother and my brothers?’ he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle round him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’ (v32-35)

Encounter: When I married my wife, she and I became a new family. Legally, she changed her name, we moved in together and started a home. Marriage isn’t easy I’ll tell you that, but it’s definitely worth it! Over the last 19 years we’ve had the joy of supporting each other through thick and thin, serving each other, listening well, and working hard to make our marriage successful. In part, it’s because we recognise we are the first priority, and our unity is paramount. 

In this passage, Jesus birth family have presumably journeyed from Nazareth to Capernaum, led by his unbelieving brothers to try to bring him home and put an end to all the commotion Jesus is causing. Jesus, however, uses the situation as a teaching moment to say who is His true family is. He says, his family is not something born into but someone who, like him, follows the will of God. For Jesus, the disciples who were obedient to God were his true family.

For us who follow Jesus, we are true family. That’s why we sometimes call it, our ‘church family’. We are called to follow Jesus together, to love one another and serve each other. There’s so much disunity in the church these days.  We need to carefully hold the tension of being advocates for u peace  and unity within our walls while standing up for the truth and obedience to God’s word. It’s a tough task but ‘oneness’ was Jesus great prayer for all believers in John 17 we need to strive for it.

Apply: This September we are restarting GS Communities. Being in a Community is a great way of building connection with your church family. If you have been struggling to connect I can’t recommend more highly. 

For those of us already in a GS Community, how can we support and love them in practical ways? Maybe try sharing a prayer request on a group WhatsApp or planning a social to have some food together. Checking in is always a good idea when it comes to fostering connection. 

Devote: Lord, help me to invest in my church family. Whether that means joining a GS Community, investing more in relationships or being part of a Team. Help me to connect with my fellow believers in Jesus and honour them as family. Amen