What actions align us with being Jesus' "brother, sister, and mother"? Recognizing Jesus’ Definition of Family Mark 3:35: “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.” Seeing the Verse in Context • Jesus’ physical family sought Him (Mark 3:31-32). • He redirected attention to a deeper relationship founded not on blood but on obedience (Mark 3:33-34). • By equating obedience with kinship, He announced that intimacy with Him is open to anyone who lives out God’s will. What Scripture Calls “the Will of God” • Trusting in Christ for salvation – John 6:40 • Sanctification and moral purity – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 • Continual gratitude – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 • Doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly – Micah 6:8 • Spirit-filled living – Ephesians 5:17-18 • Enduring in good works – 1 Peter 2:15 • A life that abides forever because it aligns with God’s desires – 1 John 2:17 Core Actions That Mark Us as Jesus’ Family 1. Hear and Obey His Word • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Regular Bible intake, immediate application, and humble submission demonstrate true kinship. 2. Believe in and Confess Christ • “This is the work of God: that you believe in the One He has sent” (John 6:29). • Faith unites us to the family; obedience proves the relationship genuine (James 2:17). 3. Live by the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • Daily dependence on the Spirit produces family resemblance—love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Practice Costly Love • John 13:35: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” • Serving, forgiving, and sacrificing mirror the firstborn Brother’s heart (Hebrews 2:11-12). 5. Pursue Holiness • Hebrews 12:14 calls believers to “pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” • Turning from sin and conforming to Christ’s character marks true family resemblance (1 Peter 1:15-16). 6. Do the Father’s Work in Daily Life • Colossians 3:23-24 urges wholehearted service “as to the Lord.” • Whether at home, work, or church, faithful stewardship signals that we belong to the household of God. Encouragement for the Journey Living out God’s will is not a prerequisite we fulfill in our own strength but a privilege made possible by grace (Philippians 2:13). As we gladly submit to His revealed will, we walk in the reality Jesus proclaimed: brothers, sisters, and even “mothers” who nurture His life in others. |
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