In Mark 3:7–35, Jesus demonstrated that whoever does the will of God is part of the family of God. This is not referring to a works-based salvation — doing the will of God means we repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus. This leads to works that confirm that we have been saved by grace alone through faith alone.

Seek the Messiah and Not Just Miracles

In verses 7–12, the crowd was desperate to get near Jesus, but they didn’t actually know who He was. They were close to Him physically but very far from Him spiritually. Is this you? You can attend church regularly and be part of the crowd without actually being a genuine disciple.

These people wanted their wishes granted, not a Lord they had to obey. They desired salvation from their sickness, not their sinfulness. They didn’t realize that Jesus Himself is the ultimate prize.

Share His Mission by Walking With Jesus

If you want to do great things for God, you need to be with Jesus. Spend time walking with Him and investing in the relationship you have with Him.

In verses 13–19, Jesus called His disciples to Himself. He did this so that they would first “be with Him,” and so that after this, “He might send them out.” These men did not look like promising people, but God was going to use them to accomplish amazing things. If He could use them, He can use you, too. All of us are fallen, broken people. Let’s go be with Jesus so we, too, can be sent out by Him to do great things for Him!

Stand With Jesus Even When Others Reject Him

In verses 20–30, the people rejected Jesus, saying that He was crazy and that He was partnering with the devil to cast out demons. Blasphemy is a willful, belligerent denial of Christ. Don’t be like those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. When you mess up, don’t think He doesn’t have enough grace for you. If you repent, He is faithful to forgive you and cleanse you. So, when you sin, run to the Father. Stand with Him, even when everybody else is denying Him.

Submit to His Will and Belong to His Family

In verses 31–35, Jesus said that His mother and brothers are those who are in His inner family, doing the will of God, rather than those who are on the outside, rejecting Him.

On the outside stood the crowds, who sought miracles and not the Messiah. On the outside stood His earthly relatives, who thought He was crazy. On the outside stood the religious leaders, who questioned His identity and allegiance.

On the inside stood the disciples: a group of unlikely people who believed in Jesus and learned to walk with Him through faith. On the inside stand those who do the will of God, practicing an obedience that demonstrates true faith.