Above the Noise

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35 NIV)

When we pick up this story in Mark 3:20-35, we see Jesus heading to a house to eat. It’s something He did often. And as usual, Jesus was followed by a crowd, all trying to hear what He would say.

In the crowd I’m sure there was a mix of motivations. Some just wanted to hear the teacher, others were probably along for a nice day out and maybe some free food, and others were waiting to catch Jesus out. And for good measure, in this instance, there were even some of Jesus’ family.

I’m pretty sure it was far from a quiet affair. Not at all. There would be people milling around, shouting over one another and generally causing a hubbub. 

And then we hear something cut above the noise: “This guy is crazy! He is out of his mind!” (v. 21). Maybe you would expect that kind of heckle from a Pharisee, but that isn’t where it came from. This accusation came from His family. Have you ever been called crazy by your own family? Maybe yes!

Then, hot on the heels of that, the teachers of the law jump in. It’s almost as if they sensed a wounded animal and were ready to pounce. And yet, Jesus exudes calm and grace as He usually does and deflects their attacks. Instead, He begins to tell a parable. 

When Jesus finishes, the voices of His family begin again, calling Him outside. Jesus responds by looking around the room and then reframing who His family is.

So, what on earth is going on here?

Well, as I read this passage, I began to see something behind the events. I saw a barrage of accusations and calls, demands upon Jesus. It got me thinking about the noise that surrounds me every day, the fog in the brain that tries to distract and distort what God is doing. 

Whether it’s someone trying to undermine me, trick me, or hurt me like the teachers of the law, or even my own flesh-and-blood family pushing their own feelings and agendas, there will always be noise. The challenge we have is how we filter out those things that are not of God, so we can better hear what He is saying. 

And how do we do that practically? I’m so glad you asked! For me, it is all about who you surround yourself with. Who are the people you allow access in your life? I think that’s what Jesus is talking about in verses 34 and 35 here saying, Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

If we want to walk in the will of God, we must surround ourselves with those who will champion the will of God in us. It’s been said, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” Perhaps there’s something in that for us as believers in Christ too.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.