COMMENTARY ON M ARK

LESSON NUMBER 35

“ ^{Mark 3:31} There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him. ³² And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee. ³³ And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or My brethren? ³⁴ And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, Behold My mother and My brethren! ³⁵ For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35).

JESUS’ BROTHERS AND MOTHER CALL

INTRODUCTION

               In this short passage, there are 18 references to Jesus – “His brethren . . . His mother . . . unto Him . . . calling Him . . . sat about Him . . . said unto Him . . . Thy mother . . . Thy brethren . . . seek for Thee . . . He answered . . . My mother . . . My brethren . . . He looked . . . about Him . . . My mother . . . My brethren . . . My brother. . . My sister . . . !” This provides a most precise picture of the nature of Christ’s ministry among men. It is all about Jesus, what people think of Him, and what He thinks of them! Everything centers and finds meaning in Him. That is fundamental to our understanding of Christ Jesus. In this text Jesus soundly affirms that His life revolved around the will of God. There is also a sense in which He only recognizes those who are occupied with Him. It is important that these not be mere academic observations, viewed as external to ourselves. We must associate this passage with ourselves, and do so with wisdom and spiritual understanding. Whatever we may think of the sanctity of the family, Jesus makes no provision for it to upstage the purpose of God, which is “eternal” (Eph 3:11). This is an exceedingly difficult thing for some, but there is no need for it to be. Everyone who is willingly associated with Jesus experiences the greatest blessings and benefits. There are no lasting disadvantages in Him. Our best interests are served when we choose Jesus, and place a priority on His words and will.

THEN CAME HIS BRETHREN AND HIS MOTHER

               “ ^3:31 There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him. ³² And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee.”

               HIS BRETHREN AND HIS MOTHER. Earlier, Mark refers to Christ’s brethren and mother in a non-domestic sense: “His friends,” or those who were close to him (3:21). The names of Jesus’ brothers are provided, while His sisters remain anonymous: James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Matt 13:55). Paul recounts how he had seen Jesus’ brother James in Jerusalem: “But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother” (Gal 1:19). Christ’s brethren and mother had heard of the multitude being around Jesus, and that He and His disciples “could not so much as eat bread,” and had concluded “He is beside Himself.” Therefore, they had embarked on a kind of rescue mission to “lay hold of Him,” getting Him out of, what they were conceived to be, unwise and debilitating circumstances. They were not in the house listening to Jesus, but have now arrived, and are “standing outside.” ^NKJV

               At this time, Jesus’ brothers did not believe on Him. John tells us of one occasion, when the feast of the tabernacles was at hand, when they sought to counsel Jesus. “Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world. For neither did His brethren believe in Him” (John 7:3-5). This incident immediately followed Jesus’ words about eating His flesh and drinking His blood (John 6:50-71). Prior to Christ’s resurrection, His brothers apparently viewed Him as a political deliverer, much like the multitudes who desired to “take Him by force, to make Him a king” (John 6:15). They could not conceive of Him being primarily a Teacher, to say nothing of Him being “the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

               We ought to note that carnal relationships bring no spiritual advantage. This is why Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house” (Matt 13:57). Throughout history, great men and women of God have not been recognized by their own kinfolk. The list includes men like Abel, Moses, Joseph, and David. It does not have to be this way, for if family members will believe on Christ, they will appreciate His workers, even when they are within their own house. Speaking for myself, it was only when the day dawned and the Day Star arose in my heart, that I had a proper perspective of, and appreciation for, my good parents, brother Fred and sister Rubye Blakely.

               SENT TO HIM AND CALLED HIM. Matthew says that while Jesus “talked to the people, behold His mother and His brethren stood without, desiring to speak to Him” (Matt 12:46). Luke tells us they were standing outside because they could not get in because of the great crowd: “Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at Him for the press” (Luke 8:19).

               His family makes no inquiry concerning what Jesus is saying. Instead, “they sent someone to call Him” – to come to them. The thought does not occur to them that this constituted an interruption, or that they might be depriving some hungry souls of the bread of life. That is not how “the flesh” thinks. It only has its own interests in mind, and only values its own opinion of things. Now, we will see how Jesus responds to such a circumstance.

               THE SITTING MULTITUDE. Mark tells us that “a multitude was sitting around Him,” ^NKJV listening to Him declare the Word of God, as Jesus Himself affirms later. How important is this “multitude?” Will Jesus leave them to give attention to His relatives in the flesh? How will He treat this interruption? Remember, we are being exposed to the Savior of the world, how He thinks, and who are highly regarded in His sight.

               THE MESSAGE. Christ’s relatives sent a word to Jesus, and it was delivered: “and THEY said to Him, Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You,” ^NKJV or “asking for You.” ^AMPLIFIED Luke reads, “And it was told Him BY CERTAIN which said, Thy mother and Thy brethren stand without, desiring to see Thee’”(Luke 8:20). Matthew reads, “Then ONE SAID to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You’”(Mat 12:47).

               The idea here is that the word got from outside the house to the inside, probably by a single individual. Those who were sitting in the house then became privy to the message being sent to Jesus. Perhaps they could see the five family members standing outside. At any rate, this was not private. Jesus is teaching publicly, and it now becomes known that His own mother and half-brothers are outside wanting to speak to Him. Now Jesus is facing competition between the flesh and the Spirit – between fleshly relationships and spiritual ones. There is nothing obviously sinful or wrong in the situation. What will Jesus do?

WHO IS CHRIST’S MOTHER AND BRETHREN?

               “ ³³ And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or My brethren? ³⁴ And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, Behold My mother and My brethren!”

               We must take care not to become diverted to fleshly speculations in our consideration of this text. Some might choose to conjecture that this could have been viewed as a crisis that required Jesus’ attention. Others might say that this was an opportunity to duly honor his mother, and show His love for His brothers, so as not to offend them. But subdue any inclinations to reason through this incident as a man. Jesus will answer any questions we may have by His recorded response to this unusual occasion.

               HE ANSWERED THEM. Matthew reads, “And He answered and said unto him that told Him” (Matt 12:48). Luke says, “And He answered and said unto them” (Lk 8:20). The message had not requested an answer, but Jesus gave one anyway. No inquiry was made as to what Jesus thought about this or that. He was being asked to join his relatives outside, who thought He was “beside Himself.” I suppose they thought that then they could whisk Him away to a place of quiet safety, where He could recuperate and gain back His good senses. Jesus, however, does not do what they ask, and does not send any word to them.

               WHO IS RELATED TO CHRIST? What an answer is this! “Who is My mother, or My brethren?” Matthew reads, “Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?” At once we see that there is a spiritual dimension to life that is not apparent to the flesh. Yet, it is very real, else Jesus would not have drawn the attention of the people to it. It is a principle of the kingdom of Christ that no one is known “after the flesh” (2 Cor 5:16).

               HE LOOKED. Who is it that captures the attention of the Master at this time? Is the one who has delivered the message to Him? Is it His mother and His brothers? Indeed not. Jesus rather looked “at those who were seated in a circle around Him.” ^NIV He was the center of their attention, and now they were His focus. Matthew says that as He spoke “He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples” (Matt 12:49) – those who were sitting at His feet and learning. Previous to this occasion, Jesus had cried out to the multitudes, “Come to Me . . . learn from ME!” (Matt 11:28-29). This is precisely what the people encircling Jesus have done. They have come to Him, and they are learning from Him. They have, like Mary, “chosen that good part,” and it “shall not be taken away” from them – not even by His own flesh-and-blood family (Luke 10:42). This is how Jesus IS!

               BEHOLD! Look! Consider! Perceive! Here is a very real condition – something that exists – yet it must be seen to be appreciated. This circumstance was not like the air you breath, which cannot be seen, yet can be enjoyed. It is not like the rays of the sun in which we can bask and profit, even though we may not have a perceptive grasp of their presence. In Christ Jesus, there are things to be beheld – realities to be seen that will alter one’s manner of thought, and open the wells of salvation for refreshment and stability. Just such a truth is before us. Jesus will announce a condition that exists, yet can in no way be substantiated by mere appearance or any form of human reasoning.

               Rather than His mother and brothers standing outside, Jesus looks at those sitting around Him and affirms, “Here are My mother and My brothers.” ^NIV Luke reads, “My mother and My brethren are these” (Lk 8:21). He provides no modifying explanation – none at all! He makes no attempt to elucidate on the matter, clearing up any misunderstanding. Jesus was now about His Father’s business, and it took the precedence over everything else. As the Son of man, Jesus had relatives – ike Mary and His brethren. However, as “the Son of God,” His relatives consisted of another group of people. In the ultimate sense of the word, true disciples are Jesus’ “mother” because He is “formed” in them (Gal 4:19). They are His “brethren” because God is their “Father” also (John 20:17).

               How refreshing it must have been when the listeners heard these words! One of the many benefits of sitting at the feet of Jesus is what He has to say about those who listen to Him. In Him the words of the prophets are fulfilled, “hear, and your soul shall live” (Isa 55:3). And again, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints” (Psa 85:8).

               If it is true that Christ’s words “are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63), what marvelous advantages there are in being exposed to them. In this text we see how Jesus Himself views such souls. Such are His family – His “house,” or “household.” He will give more of Himself to them that to those who were only related to Him in the flesh! If anyone should know this, it should be His church, which at the present time is largely composed of Gentiles – who, by nature, are “not a people” (1 Pet 2:10) – not, in the words of our text, His brethren and mother outside.

THE REAL RELATIVES

               “ ³⁵ For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and Mother.” Matthew records nearly the same words, “whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven” (Matt12:50).

               WHICH HEAR THE WORD OF GOD. Luke reads, “which hear the Word of God and do it” (Lk 8:21). Those who are familiar with the Gospels know that Jesus placed a great stress upon hearing the Word of God. The parable of the Sower was all about “hearing” the Word: “when they have HEARD Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts . . . when they have HEARD the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves . . . such as HEAR the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word . . . such as HEAR the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit” (Mk 4:15-20).

               Jesus pronounced a blessing upon those who “hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28). He also said the hearing ear was a blessing: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear” (Matt 13:16).

               Hearing is the means by which faith comes to us: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). That is why the Gospel is referred to as “the word of faith” (Rom 10:8), or the word by which faith comes to us.

               WHOSOEVER SHALL DO THE WILL OF GOD. Now the Lord narrows down the family to which He alludes – His mother and brethren. It requires more than hearing, or exposure to, His word to fall into this category. Hearing about the will of God is not enough. Knowing the will of God intellectually is not adequate. The will of God must be DONE. John said that the person who does God’s will remains forever: “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that DOETH the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17). Jesus said those who would enter into the kingdom of heaven were not those who said “Lord, Lord,” but “he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). He said a wise man was one who hears His sayings “and doeth them” (Matt 7:24; Lk 6:47). Jesus said His meat, or sustenance, was to “do the will of Him that sent Me” (John 4:24). How could anything less be required of those related to Him?

               Doing the will of God is an exceedingly broad requirement. Slaves were instructed to diligently serve their masters, “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph 6:6). We are also told that doing the will, of God involves abstaining from fornication (1 Thess 4:3-4). Giving thanks in everything is also “the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess 5:18). Believers are told they have “need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb 10:36). It is also affirmed that “the will of God” it putting to silence “the ignorance of foolish men” with “well doing” (1 Pet 2:15). In fact, the entirety of our lives following the new birth is to be lived “unto the will of God” (1 Pet 4:2).

               Doing the will of God assumes there are others “wills” that can be done. They are competing wills, like “the will of the flesh” and “the will of man” (John 1:13; 2 Pet 1:21), and “the will of the Gentiles” (1 Pet 4:3). These are all “wills” that are independent of Divine influences – “wills” upon which the light of truth has not shined. If one wonders just how we can come to know of “the will of God,” in order that we might do it, Jesus provides the answer. “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority” ^NKJV (John 7:17). Notice that “His will” is tied to “the doctrine.” That is, knowing God’s will is not a mere intuition, but is the result of hearing it articulated. As Luke’s account of this incident reads, “My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it” (Luke 8:21). Jesus also said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).

               Here is the great dividing line between religious men: the doing of the Word – translating it into life, so that the will of God is lived out. This is life lived within an acute awareness of Jesus and what He has to say. It was being demonstrated in the house in which Jesus was found that day – a house where the “multitude cometh together again” to hear the Lord Jesus. Sitting around Him, with Him being the focus of their attention, they were being exposed to the mind of the Lord, the kingdom of God, and the will of God. As such, in Christ’s mind, they took the precedence over all fleshly associations.

               Here is a circumstance that will never be answered with disappointment – when people cluster around Jesus to hear the Word of God, intent upon keeping and doing what they hear. It is an exceedingly rare thing to find in our day, but wherever that kind of gathering is found, the blessing of the Lord will be had, and Jesus will not leave.