Mark 3:31-35
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.”
Main Idea
THE FAMILY OF GOD IS FOUND AMONG THOSE DOING THE WILL OF GOD.
Outline
JESUS HAD FAMILY, BUT ALSO HAD A SPIRITUAL FOCUS (VV31–32)
JESUS HAD FANS, BUT ALSO HAD A SPIRITUAL FAMILY (VV33–35)
Discussion Questions
JESUS HAD FAMILY, BUT ALSO HAD A SPIRITUAL FOCUS (VV31–32)
Why do you think Jesus continued teaching instead of immediately stopping to meet with His family?
What does this passage teach us about keeping God's mission at the center of our lives?
Why is it important to love our families without making them the ultimate priority?
How can even good things, like family, become idols if we're not careful?
Where do you find it most difficult to keep your spiritual priorities ahead of competing responsibilities?
How can you intentionally pursue God's mission this week in the midst of your daily responsibilities?
JESUS HAD FANS, BUT ALSO HAD A SPIRITUAL FAMILY (VV33–35)
Why do you think Jesus asked, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
What is the difference between being interested in Jesus and belonging to the family of God?
According to Jesus, what identifies someone as part of God's family?
How does this passage challenge the idea that simply attending church or identifying as a Christian is enough?
What does it mean to "do the will of God," and how is that different from trying to earn God's acceptance?
What evidence do you see in your own life that your faith is producing obedience?
Looking Forward
Jesus teaches that His family is made up of those who do the will of God. What is one specific area where God is calling you to take a step of obedience this week as an expression of your love for Him?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
A deeper love for God that results in joyful obedience
Wisdom to keep Christ and His mission as our highest priority
Healthy relationships with our families that honor both God and one another
Freedom from legalism and confidence in God's grace
Hearts that obey God because we love Him, not because we are trying to earn His acceptance
Humility to recognize our complete dependence on Christ
Unity within the family of God as brothers and sisters in Christ
A growing desire to encourage and serve our spiritual family
Faith that is demonstrated through everyday obedience
Gratitude that we have been welcomed into God's family by grace through faith in Jesus