Insiders and Outsiders

Jesus seems awfully hard on his family in this text. They have come from Galilee to Capernaum, where Jesus is staying in Peter's house because they have heard about his healings and the crowds he is drawing. "This is too much," they were thinking. "He's out of his mind."

Then religious leaders came from Jerusalem with a much more serious allegation: "He is demon-possessed."

Wise as a serpent, Jesus confutes the teachers of the law with an irrefutable argument.

His family meant well; the teachers of the law didn't. Jesus saw into their hearts and was well aware of their plots. He knew where it would lead. For them, he had the dire warning: "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin." To set oneself in firm opposition to the word of God is to head towards destruction.

His family was set on a kinder path. Even on the cross he loved them and cared for them. Mary was taken into the family of the apostle John. After his resurrection, Jesus sought out James, who became the leader of the church in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 15:7; Acts 12:17, 15:13). He and his brother Jude (probably), wrote books we have in our New Testament.

All of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ come into the family of God by adoption. No one is born into this family. We are justified, put right with God, not by our connection to our parents, but by our connection to God’s Spirit. Here we are embraced in his love, living in love and service to one another. The Spirit is thicker than blood.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for adopting me into your family. I understand that I have no right to your affection and grace. I am grateful that you have extended your love to me. I choose to respond by loving you in return. Amen.

Kent Anderson