Gospel of Mark Part 21: The True Family of Jesus [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- May 24
- 3 min read
Title: The True Family of Jesus
Scripture Focus: Mark 3:31–35 – “Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him, calling Him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, ‘Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.’ And answering them, He said, ‘Who are My mother and My brothers?’ And looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, ‘Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.’”
OPENING QUESTION
What does Jesus’ definition of “family” teach us about the nature of the Kingdom of God, and how should it affect the way we view our relationships with other believers?
BACKGROUNDJesus’ ministry drew crowds, criticism, and curiosity—even from His own family. In earlier passages, His relatives tried to take custody of Him, thinking He had lost His senses (Mark 3:21). In this scene, His mother and brothers arrive, likely to intervene again. But instead of dropping everything to meet them, Jesus takes the moment to teach a deeper truth: His true family is not defined by bloodlines but by obedience to God. This teaching draws a clear distinction between physical and spiritual kinship, challenging us to consider what it means to belong to Him.
KEY POINTS
1. Redefining Family
Jesus makes it clear His true family is not limited to Mary, Joseph, His brothers (James, Joses, Judas, Simon – Mark 6:3), or His sisters.
Even at age twelve, Jesus knew His primary allegiance was to His Father in heaven (Luke 2:41–50).
True kinship with Christ is spiritual, not physical (Mark 3:35).
2. The Mark of True Family – Doing God’s Will
Jesus defines His family as “whoever does the will of God” (Mark 3:35).
This mirrors His warning in Matthew 7:21–23 that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom—only those who obey the Father.
Obedience to God’s will is the evidence of relationship, not mere religious activity or outward appearance (1 John 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:7–10).
3. The Blessing of a Spiritual Family
Divine Members: God as Father (providing, forgiving, delivering – Matthew 6), Jesus as Brother (Hebrews 2:11–12), the Holy Spirit as Helper (Romans 8:15, 26–27).
Immense Size: A hundredfold blessing of brothers, sisters, and homes in Christ (Mark 10:28–30, 1 Timothy 5:1–2, Ephesians 3:14–15).
Eternal Nature: Earthly family ties end at death, but spiritual family lasts forever (Romans 8:16–17, Revelation 21:1–7).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus took this opportunity to redefine “family” rather than simply meeting with His relatives?
How does this teaching challenge our view of loyalty and relationships?
What does it practically mean to “do the will of God” in daily life?
How can we strengthen our relationships within the spiritual family of God?
What blessings have you personally experienced from belonging to the family of Jesus?
APPLICATIONJesus invites us into a family that is eternal, spiritual, and united by obedience to God’s will. This should shape how we value fellow believers and how we live out our faith. Being part of His true family means aligning our lives with God’s purposes, prioritizing spiritual relationships, and living with the assurance that we belong to Him forever.
MEMORY VERSE
Mark 3:35 – “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Thank God for bringing you into His family through Christ. Pray for the strength to live in obedience to His will, to love and serve your spiritual brothers and sisters, and to remain faithful as a member of His eternal household.
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