Mark 3:31-35 There came then his brothers and his mother, and, standing without, sent to him, calling him.… I. CHRIST DETERMINES THE CLAIMS OF EARTHLY RELATIONSHIP WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CLAIMS OF GOD AND DUTY. 1. His mother and brethren presumed on their relationship. 2. The multitude concurred. 3. Christ practically declared the superior claims of duty — or of God, to those of earthly relations. Relations and duty often clash. But for this decision, how much difficulty, etc. How much support has it given. II. THE WEAKNESS OF THE TIES OF NATURE, WHEN COMPARED WITH THOSE TIES TO WHICH THE GOSPEL GIVES EXISTENCE. 1. Christ asked who His mother and brethren were, i.e., who stood to Him in nearest relation? 2. He answered the question — His disciples. The one temporary, the other eternal. 3. Their comparative strength has been tried. 4. How beautiful when united! III. THE HONOURABLE POSITION OF BELIEVERS — the kinsmen of Christ. 1. He has entered the human family. 2. He has introduced them into the Divine family. 3. As a kinsman He redeemed the inheritance which was lost. 4. He is not ashamed, in heaven, to call them brethren. 5. They take rank from Him, not He from them. IV. THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST'S KINSMEN. 1. It is in respect of the moral nature that man is born again. 2. The Divine nature, which through regeneration is imparted, is holiness. 3. Hence the family likeness, i.e., holiness. (Expository Discourses.) Parallel Verses KJV: There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.WEB: His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. |
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