Mark 3:31
Then Jesus' mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him,
Then
The word "then" serves as a transitional term, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of Mark's Gospel, it connects the preceding narrative with the current scene. This word suggests a continuation of the unfolding account of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the events. It reminds us of the dynamic and active nature of Jesus' mission on earth.

Jesus’ mother and brothers
This phrase highlights the familial relationship of Jesus, grounding His divine mission in a human context. The mention of His mother, Mary, and His brothers, possibly including James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, as noted in other Gospel accounts, underscores the reality of Jesus' incarnation. It reflects the tension between His earthly family and His divine calling, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospels. The presence of His family here may also symbolize the broader Jewish community's struggle to understand Jesus' true identity and mission.

came and stood outside
The action of coming and standing outside signifies both physical and metaphorical distance. Physically, it indicates their position outside the house where Jesus was teaching, unable to reach Him directly due to the crowd. Metaphorically, it suggests a spiritual or relational distance, as they are not yet fully aligned with His mission. This imagery invites reflection on the barriers that can exist between us and Christ, whether due to misunderstanding, doubt, or societal pressures.

They sent someone in
This phrase reveals the determination of Jesus' family to reach Him, despite the obstacles. It also illustrates the common practice of sending a messenger to convey a request or message, a cultural norm in ancient times. This act of sending someone in can be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the outside and the inside, the familial and the divine. It challenges us to consider how we approach Jesus in our own lives, whether directly or through intermediaries like prayer and community.

to summon Him
The word "summon" implies a call to action or presence, often carrying a sense of authority or urgency. In this context, it reflects the family's desire to speak with Jesus, possibly out of concern or misunderstanding of His ministry. This summons can be seen as a pivotal moment, highlighting the tension between Jesus' earthly ties and His heavenly mission. It invites us to reflect on the nature of our own summons to Christ, whether we approach Him with demands, questions, or a willingness to listen and follow.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of Mark, performing miracles and teaching with authority. In this passage, He is inside a house, surrounded by a crowd.

2. Jesus' Mother and Brothers
They arrive seeking Jesus, standing outside the house. This moment highlights their relationship with Jesus and their concern for Him.

3. The Crowd
A group of people gathered around Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. They are inside the house with Jesus, contrasting with His family outside.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Kinship Over Earthly Ties
Jesus redefines family as those who do the will of God, emphasizing spiritual relationships over biological ones.

Prioritizing God's Will
Believers are called to prioritize their relationship with God and His will above all else, even familial expectations.

Inclusivity of God's Family
The passage invites all who follow Jesus and obey God's will to be part of His spiritual family, breaking down barriers of exclusivity.

Understanding Misunderstanding
Jesus' family initially misunderstands His mission, reminding us that even those closest to us may not always comprehend our spiritual journey.

Transformation Through Faith
The eventual belief of Jesus' family members serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to His family's arrival challenge our understanding of family and community within the church?

2. In what ways can we prioritize our spiritual family and God's will in our daily lives, especially when it conflicts with societal or familial expectations?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood in your faith journey. How can Jesus' experience with His family encourage you?

4. How do the parallel passages in Matthew and Luke enhance our understanding of this event in Mark 3:31?

5. Considering Acts 1:14, what does the transformation of Jesus' family teach us about the potential for change in our own relationships through faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 12:46-50 and Luke 8:19-21
These parallel passages provide additional context and details about the event, emphasizing the spiritual family of believers.

John 7:5
This verse notes that even Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him at one point, highlighting the tension and misunderstanding within His earthly family.

Acts 1:14
After Jesus' resurrection, His mother and brothers are found among the believers, indicating a transformation in their understanding and faith.
Christ's KindredAlexander MaclarenMark 3:31
RetirementR. Green Mark 3:7-35
Divine RelationshipsJ. Vaughan, M. A.Mark 3:31-35
Doing the Will of GodM. F. Sadler.Mark 3:31-35
Kinship to JesusE. Johnson Mark 3:31-35
Relationship to ChristH. Bonar, D. D.Mark 3:31-35
Spiritual Kinship with ChristG. Petter.Mark 3:31-35
Spiritual RelationshipMark 3:31-35
The Different Phases of the Love of ChristE. F. Goulburn, D. C. L.Mark 3:31-35
The Kinsmen of ChristExpository Discourses.Mark 3:31-35
The Mother and the Brethren of JesusA.F. Muir Mark 3:31-35
The Real RelationshipJ.J. Given Mark 3:31-35
The Result of Relationship with JesusC. M. Southgate.Mark 3:31-35
The Test of RelationshipMark 3:31-35
People
Alphaeus, Andrew, Bartholomew, Beelzebub, Boanerges, Herodians, James, Jesus, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddaeus, Thomas, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Idumea, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
Arrive, Arrived, Brethren, Brothers, Calling, Message, Outside, Requesting, Someone, Standing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 3:31

     5099   Mary, mother of Christ

Mark 3:31-34

     5682   family, significance

Mark 3:31-35

     2535   Christ, family of
     5719   mothers, responsibilities
     5737   sisters
     8117   discipleship, benefits

Library
And Judas Iscariot
AND JUDAS ISCARIOT TEXT: "And Judas Iscariot."--Mark 3:19. There is something about the name of this miserable man which commands our attention at once. There is a sort of fascination about his wickedness, and when we read his story it is difficult to give it up until we have come to its awful end. It is rather significant, it would seem to me, that his name should come last in the list of the Apostles, and the text, "And Judas Iscariot," would suggest to me not only that his name was last, but
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

'He is Beside Himself'
'And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself'--Mark iii. 21. There had been great excitement in the little town of Capernaum in consequence of Christ's teachings and miracles. It had been intensified by His infractions of the Rabbinical Sabbath law, and by His appointment of the twelve Apostles. The sacerdotal party in Capernaum apparently communicated with Jerusalem, with the result of bringing a deputation from the Sanhedrim to look into
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Relations
'Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.'--Mark iii. 35. There was a conspiracy to seize Jesus because He is 'mad,' and Mary was in the plot! I. The example for us. (1) Of how all natural and human ties and affections are to be subordinated to doing God's will. Obedience to Him is the first and main thing to which everything else bows, and which determines everything. If others compete or interfere, reject them. Out of that common obedience new ties
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Anger and Grief of Jesus
He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts.'--Mark iii. 5. Our Lord goes into the synagogue at Capernaum, where He had already wrought more than one miracle, and there He finds an object for His healing power, in a poor man with a withered hand; and also a little knot of His enemies. The scribes and Pharisees expect Christ to heal the man. So much had they learned of His tenderness and of His power. But their belief that He could work a miracle did not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends
'And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils. 23. And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24. And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. 27. No man can enter into a strong man's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Kindred
'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 iii. 31-35.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ambassadors for Christ
'And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodlans against Him, how they might destroy Him. 7. But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaa 8. And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaa beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him. 9. And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Necessity of Divine Influences. [*Continued]
Luke xi. 13.--"If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him." In expounding the doctrine of these words, in the preceding discourse, the argument for the necessity of Divine influences had reference to the more general aspects of man's character and condition. We were concerned with the origin of seriousness in view of a future life, and the production of a sense of moral corruption and
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
But I must not let imagination mislead me: they did nothing of the kind. Instead of this, they sat watching the Lord Jesus, not to be delighted by an act of his power, but to find somewhat of which they might accuse him. When all came to all, the utmost that they would be able to allege would be that he had healed a withered hand on the Sabbath. Overlooking the commendation due for the miracle of healing, they laid the emphasis upon its being done on the Sabbath; and held up their hands with horror
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Mutual Help.
(Female Friendly Society.) S. MARK iii. 35. "Whosoever shall do the Will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and My mother." There are just two points which I want to put before you to-day. First, what you as Christian women ought to be. Secondly, how you can help each other to be so. On the first point I would ask you to remember the glory and dignity of womanhood. You get this dignity from Jesus Christ, who was born of a woman, and who said, "Whosoever shall do the Will of God, the
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

The Eccentricity of Religion
"They said, He is beside Himself,"--MARK iii. 21. THE most pathetic life in the history of the world is the life of the Lord Jesus. Those who study it find out, every day, a fresh sorrow. Before He came it was already foretold that He would be acquainted with grief, but no imagination has ever conceived the darkness of the reality. It began with one of the bitterest kinds of sorrow--the sorrow of an enforced silence. For thirty years He saw, but dared not act. The wrongs He came to redress were there.
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Hardening Operation of Love.
"Being grieved for the hardness of their heart."--Mark iii. 5. Love may also be reversed. Failing to cherish, to uplift, and to enrich, it consumes and destroys. This is a mystery which man can not fathom. It belongs to the unsearchable depths of the divine Being, of which we do not wish to know more than has been revealed. But this does not alter the fact. No creature can exclude itself from the divine control. No man can say that he has nothing to do with God; that he or any other creature exists
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Life and Character of John
"Volat avis sine meta, Quo nec votes nec propheta Evolavit altius: Tam implenda quam impleta, Numquam vidit tot secreta Purus homo purius. (Adam of St. Victor.) The Mission of John. Peter, the Jewish apostle of authority, and Paul, the Gentile apostle of freedom, had done their work on earth before the destruction of Jerusalem--had done it for their age and for all ages to come; had done it, and by the influence of their writings are doing it still, in a manner that can never be superseded. Both
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Whether the Sin against the Holy Ghost is the Same as the Sin Committed through Certain Malice?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sin against the Holy Ghost is not the same as the sin committed through certain malice. Because the sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of blasphemy, according to Mat. 12:32. But not every sin committed through certain malice is a sin of blasphemy: since many other kinds of sin may be committed through certain malice. Therefore the sin against the Holy Ghost is not the same as the sin committed through certain malice. Objection 2: Further, the sin committed through
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Great Schism
If a house be divided against itself.--Mark iii, 25. From such a revival as that of the Great Awakening, parties must of necessity arise. Upon undisciplined fanaticism, the Established church must frown. But when it undertook to discipline large numbers of church members or whole churches, recognizedly within its embracing fold and within their lawful privileges, a great schism resulted, and the schismatics were sufficiently tenacious of their rights to come out victorious in their long contest for
M. Louise Greene, Ph. D.—The Development of Religious Liberty in Connecticut

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
That house cannot stand.--Mark iii, 25. The times change and we change with them.--Proverb. The omission of all persecuting acts from the revision of the laws in 1750 was evidence that the worst features of the great schism were passing, that public opinion as a whole had grown averse to any great severity toward the Separatists as dissenters. But the continuance in the revised statutes of the Saybrook Platform as the legalized constitution of the "Presbyterian, Congregational or Consociated Church,"
M. Louise Greene, Ph. D.—The Development of Religious Liberty in Connecticut

The Apostle Judas
"And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him." MARK 3:19 (R.V.) THE evidential value of what has been written about the apostles will, to some minds, seem to be overborne by the difficulties which start up at the name of Judas. And yet the fact that Jesus chose him -- that awful fact which has offended many -- is in harmony with all that we see around us, with the prodigious powers bestowed upon Napoleon and Voltaire, bestowed in full knowledge of the dark results, yet given because the issues of
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Withered Hand
"And He entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had his hand withered. And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse Him. And He saith unto the man that had his hand withered, Stand forth. And He saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, He
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Characteristics of the Twelve
"And He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, and to have authority to cast out devils: and Simon He surnamed Peter; and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and them He surnamed Boanerges, which is, Sons of thunder; and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeaus, and Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot which also betrayed Him." MARK 3:14-19 (R.V.) THE pictures
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Christ and Beelzebub
"And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the devils casteth He out the devils. And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if an house be
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

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