Mark 3:31–35 (ESV)
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
31 And his
mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my
mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus’s family comes to see Jesus. It specifically says that “his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.” This points out that Jesus had brothers. Some say that they would
be step-brothers from Joseph’s previous marriage. Well, we don’t know if Jesus had a previous marriage, but this argument go on to support that Mary is still a virgin (perpetual virginity). I don’t see it necessary to claim Mary
has to be a perpetual virgin and I don’t see a need to claim these “brothers” as step-brothers. I believe these to be actual brothers of Mary and Joseph. But... this is all beside the point. Jesus is teaching strangers while
his family is outside. Family is family, but fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are of your spiritual family and deemed more important. Your relationship to God is of the highest importance.
I
pray: O Lord, I give thanks that my mother and brother are Christians and are part of my spiritual family. I pray for all Christians who have earthly brothers and sisters that are not part of God’s family. Give them strength and faith
to continue to walk in the Lord’s family and that the family will come to know the Lord too. Let all Christians be a light to the lost, beginning with their families and friends. Amen.