Devotion • August 21
Today’s Scripture Reading
Mark 3:19b–35
Then he went home; and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (NRSV)
Reflection
I once heard a preacher claim that if you are looking for examples of well-adjusted, stable family units, you won’t find them in the Bible. It’s rife with discord between brothers and sisters, parents and children.
At this point in Mark’s Gospel, the crowds following Jesus are growing larger, and his reputation is more widespread. He has been preaching, healing, and exorcising demons. His rhetoric and actions have caught the attention of the authorities. Jesus’ family is concerned. They arrive to restrain him because they believe “he has gone out of his mind.” Who knows what they really thought? Perhaps they were worried about the crush of the growing crowds or the anxious authorities. Maybe they were annoyed that as firstborn he was on the road with his pals rather than earning an income. In any case, they come to whisk him away.
Then Jesus does what he does best and turns everything upside down: Jesus redefines the family. He embraces those who have gathered around him and proclaims that whoever does the will of God is his family. He has not rejected his mother or brothers but draws the circle wider. It’s not blood but love that makes a family. By our baptisms, we are made family. In the church, water is thicker than blood.
For more than twenty years, we have been welcoming LGBTQIA+ people into the full life and ministry of the congregation — into our church family. And while this may not seem like a big deal anymore, it is. Research indicates that only one-third of LGBTQIA+ youth have experienced family acceptance. The number is lower for LGBTQIA+ adults. Faced with rejection, rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide soar. By boldly and proudly welcoming LGBTQIA+ people at Fourth Church, by affirming their dignity and worth, we not only expand our family in keeping with Jesus’ command, but we save lives. The good news is here-and-now salvation.
Who else is Jesus calling us to welcome into our family? Let us unhinge the doors of our hearts and sanctuary and find out.
Prayer
O God, thank you for including me in your family. Keep my heart and mind always attuned to a posture of welcome and belonging. Amen.
Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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