Today’s scripture: Mark 3:20–21, 31–35 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Keith Phillips):
As a single gay male who intentionally moved a thousand miles away from my biological family decades ago, I am touched by this passage of scripture. These verses speak to many of us who are in some way separated or estranged from family, who are marginalized, or who are even just misfits.
First, I like to think that I love my family of origin as much as Jesus loved his, and that I am loved by my family as much as his loved him. So I’m a little bit gratified that the author of Mark was the only Gospel writer to include verses 20 and 21, especially where he indicates that Jesus’ family believed that he was “beside himself” (i.e., crazy). None of our families are perfect. Most parents of LGBTQ children don’t want us to be hurt, so they sometimes do and say rather silly things that they think are in our best interest. How misguided, simply because they don’t understand, yet.
That was the case for Jesus. Mark indicates that Jesus’ biological family was in the same category as the Pharisees, both groups being unclear about his identity and both groups opposing his life style and call, although certainly for different reasons. I take solace in knowing that Jesus’ family was not that different from mine.
And second, Jesus in this passage reminds me that I have a family bigger and better in lots of ways than my biological family. I am part of the family of God. I love it when Jesus was told that his mom and siblings were outside, “and he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him [not just the Twelve], he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother’” (verses 33–35}.
But there’s that phrase, not to be taken lightly, “whoever does the will of God….” Certainly it’s a phenomenal blessing to belong to the family of God, but it’s also an awesome responsibility. Jesus may have rejected the traditional patriarchal family structure (even when headed by his mother!) for a more egalitarian model of brothers and sisters in Christ, but that means that we are expected to care for each other (to love) and to care for each other (to do justice), mutually. Fortunately, we can choose to do that because Jesus chose and loved us first.
Thought for the day: Even though my biological family may think I’m queer and so do and say silly things, I am part of a wonderfully fabulous, intimate, divine family, which is open to all. Thanks be to God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.