Mark 3:20-35 (NIV)
If we’ve learned anything so far about Jesus, we’ve learned that he’s not bound by the structures, rules, or social boundaries… he directly challenges the assumptions of who people expect him to be. Today’s passage continues to expose how the upside-down, inside-out nature of Jesus’ words and actions defy the expectations of even his closest family.
In our culture too, we carry assumptions about Jesus that lead us to believe that there are ways to be a Christian that are more “acceptable,” that don’t “cause a fuss” or upset the status quo. But following Jesus means telling the truth even when it hurts. It means engaging in the work of physical, mental and spiritual healing and restoration, even among people who might be considered outcasts in society. In other words, following Jesus usually ruffles some feathers, and if we’re not ruffling even a few feathers, we might want to take a fresh look at where our devotion lies.
As you listen to today’s passage, again try to picture yourself in the scene. What part of the crowd would you be standing with? What thoughts would come to mind as you listened to the drama unfold?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What moment in the story stood out to you?
2. As you imagined yourself in the scene, was there anything that made you uncomfortable? Why do you think that is?
3. Loyalty to family was an essential part of the Jewish culture, and it flowed from loyalty to the covenant family of Israel. What societal group do you most closely identify with? Maybe it’s your family. Maybe it’s your ethnic group, or your political party or social community. How do those loyalties fit with Jesus’ new definition of kinship in this story?
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