What actions can we take to be considered Jesus' family, as in Mark 3:34? Mark 3:34–35 — Jesus Redefines Family “Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.’” • Jesus declares that true kinship is spiritual, not biological. • Entrance into this family hinges on one simple requirement: doing the will of God. Doing the Will of God — Foundation of Kingdom Kinship Scripture consistently clarifies what the Father wants from us: • John 6:40 — “Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” At its core, God’s will combines faith in Christ with a life that reflects that faith through obedience. Believing in the Son — First Step into the Family • Trust His finished work on the cross and resurrection. • Receive forgiveness and new birth (John 3:3). • This faith unites us to Christ, making us children of God (John 1:12). Obedience — Living Like a Son or Daughter • Daily choose submission to biblical commands. • Let Scripture shape morals, speech, priorities, finances, and relationships. • 1 John 3:24 — “The one who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him.” • John 15:14 — “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” Love — Family Resemblance • 1 John 3:23 — “Believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another.” • Practical acts: forgiveness, generosity, service, hospitality. • Galatians 5:22-23 — The Spirit bears recognizable fruit: love, joy, peace, and so on. Love marks us as Jesus’ siblings. Regular Fellowship — Staying at the Family Table • Hebrews 10:24-25 — Do not neglect meeting together; spur one another on. • Corporate worship, Bible study, and accountability protect and nurture family identity. Witness — Inviting Others into the Household • Matthew 28:19-20 — Make disciples of all nations. • Sharing the gospel is a family responsibility and privilege. • Our testimony demonstrates allegiance to Christ and extends the family circle. Growing in Assurance — Confidently Calling Him Brother • Examine life for ongoing trust in Christ and a pattern of obedience (2 Corinthians 13:5). • When we stumble, confess quickly (1 John 1:9) and keep walking. • The Spirit within affirms, “You belong” (Romans 8:16). Christ’s promise stands: as we believe in Him and actively carry out the Father’s will, we are welcomed, cherished, and addressed as His own brothers, sisters, and mother. |
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