Not So Strange

What did they want, Mary and His brothers,
When they stood without the house where He spoke?
Had He embarassed them before others,
Making claims they thought nothing but a joke?
Were they hoping He would go home with them,
Leave the public eye, ending this wild talk?
If He did, maybe the priests' rage would dim,
And in the open once more they could walk!
They may have thought Jesus had lost His mind,
Spreading the news of the Kingdom of God;
Telling folks how eternal life to find---
Forgiving others, and living so odd!
It would not be strange if they wanted this,
For they, too, were learning how to find bliss!

"Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind.' ... Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 'Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.' 'Who are my mother and my brothers?' he asked. Then he looked at them seated in a circle around him and said, 'Here are my mothrer and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother!" (Mark 3:20-21, 31-35)

It is obvious from Mark 3:21 that Mary and His brothers did think Jesus had lost His mind. It would be natural for a family to reach out to a loved one whose words had stirred the anger of the San Hedrin, attempt to bring him home and keep him under wraps for awhile. But Jesus was having none of it; though His rejection must have grieved His family, it was essential if He was to succeed in His mission to earth. Also, His own words emphasized that the child of God must put his Lord first in all things and above all others, even family. If He had interrupted His work and subjected Himself to them, it would have been inconsistent with His own commandments. He set the example for the millions of Christians who followed; we are not to put anyone above God, not even our spouse. This is contrary to the women's liberation movement and the teaching of psychologists today; but it is they who are deceived; the Bible is very clear on this point.

Furthermore, this incident tells us that Mary gave birth to other sons after the virgin birth of Jesus. Hence, she was guilty of sin---the original sin of Adam, for one; also, her attempt to intercede in Jesus' work was a sin. It also reveals that His own human family had not grasped the import of their son's plan of salvation at this time, maybe not until after His crucifiction and ascension.