The will of God.

Mark 3:31-35, And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Previously, Mark recorded that the crowds were such that Jesus and His disciples could not even eat, and his family “went out to seize him,” thinking that he was insane! And yet it is equally clear that Jesus was in command of His own ministry and of the Father’s plan. We don’t know if James was among the brothers that came at this time, but after he became a believer he would become a martyr, following the will of God. Jesus placed the will of God above all, even his own family. Am I putting his priorities first?

Give us discernment to do your will above all else, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary