Mark 3:20 - 4:1 (NRSV)
Read Mark 3:20 - 4:1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 20and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. Verse 21When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind." Verse 22And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons." Verse 23And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? Verse 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. Verse 25And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Verse 26And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. Verse 27But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
Verse 28"Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; Verse 29but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"- Verse 30for they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."
Verse 31Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him.
Verse 32A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you."
Verse 33And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
Verse 34And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!
Verse 35Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."
Devotion
Having chosen his disciples, Jesus continued his ministry journey in response to the Spirit. His healing words and actions were so out of the ordinary that people said he was possessed. They did not understand him, were envious of his growing popularity, and were concerned for their futures. In fear, they discredited Jesus.
Have you ever responded to the Spirit and, as a result, been discredited by your family and friends? Perhaps you went without some common purchases in order to share more generously with your neighbors who were experiencing needs. Maybe you served with people your family thought were undeserving. Possibly you took a stand for a justice issue your friends opposed. Despite your strained relationships, would failing to take these actions prove more stressful to you? Could you stand being "divided against" yourself and the Spirit? Knowing God is always with you, will you trust God and take action again?
Prayer
Extraordinary God, we praise you for your Son's ministry that infinitely surpassed the ordinary. Forgive us when we allow people to restrict our response to your Spirit. Grow our trust in you so that we will courageously take the action to which you lead us. Amen.