In J.C. Ryle's "Expository Thoughts on Mark 3:31-35," the main theological topic addressed is the nature of true kinship in relation to Jesus Christ. Ryle argues that real familial ties are defined not by physical lineage, but by spiritual obedience to God's will. He supports this argument using Luke 2:49, emphasizing Jesus’ commitment to His divine mission despite external pressures, including misunderstandings from His own family. Ryle highlights the comfort this offers believers; they are recognized as Christ’s family when they follow His teachings and do the will of God, as evidenced in the closing remarks of Jesus in Mark 3:35. This doctrine of spiritual kinship carries practical significance, encouraging Christians to persevere in their faith regardless of worldly opposition and reminding them of their honored position as children of God.
Key Quotes
“None of these things moved Him. The slanderous suggestions of enemies and the well-meant remonstrances of ignorant friends were alike powerless to turn Him from His course.”
“Let all true Christians drink comfort out of these words. Let them know that there is One at least who knows them, loves them, cares for them and reckons them as His own family.”
“What though they be poor in this world? They have no cause to be ashamed when they remember that they are the brethren and sisters of the Son of God.”
“Whom are they persecuting and ridiculing? The relations of Jesus, the Son of God. The family of the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
What does the Bible say about the family of Jesus?
The Bible teaches that Jesus' true family consists of those who do the will of God.
This teaching provides comfort and assurance to Christians, especially those who may feel isolated or rejected by their biological families for their faith. Jesus' identification of His spiritual family emphasizes that no earthly rejection can nullify the deep bond that exists between Him and His faithful followers. Those who follow Christ are welcomed into a new family where love and acceptance from the Savior are guaranteed, regardless of their social status or circumstances in this world.
Mark 3:31-35, Luke 2:49, Psalm 27:10
Why is doing the will of God important for Christians?
Doing the will of God is essential as it defines our relationship with Christ, who views His followers as His family.
Obedience to God’s will is important because it reflects the believer's faith and relationship with Jesus. It manifests the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within, shaping Christians into the likeness of Christ. Therefore, being part of Christ’s spiritual family carries with it the responsibility to uphold and live out God’s commandments, thereby demonstrating one’s commitment to the Kingdom of God. True believers find their identity and importance in the active pursuit of God's will as they navigate through life’s challenges.
Mark 3:31-35, John 14:15
How can Christians find comfort in being part of Christ's family?
Christians can find comfort in knowing they are loved and accepted as part of Christ's family, regardless of worldly circumstances.
Furthermore, believers are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles, as they are part of a larger community—the family of God. This gives believers confidence that through trials and persecutions, Christ understands their pain and stands with them as a mighty advocate. Psalm 27:10 reassures Christians that even in the face of rejection or forsaking by earthly families, the Lord is there to lift them up. Thus, belonging to Christ's family is not merely a theological concept; it is a reality filled with love, fellowship, and support.
Mark 3:31-35, Psalm 27:10
In the verses which immediately precede this passage, we see our blessed Lord accused by the Scribes of being in league with the devil. They said, "He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casts he out devils."
In the verses we have now read, we find that this absurd charge of the Scribes was not all that Jesus had to endure at this time. We are told that "Jesus' mother and brothers arrived at the house where he was teaching. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them." They could not yet understand the beauty and usefulness of the life that our Lord was living. Though they doubtless loved Him well, they would sincerely have persuaded him to cease from His work, and "spare himself." Little did they know what they were doing! Little had they observed or understood our Lord's words when He was only twelve years old, "know you not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49.)
It is interesting to mark the quiet, firm perseverance of our Lord, in the face of all discouragements. None of these things moved Him. The slanderous suggestions of enemies, and the well-meant remonstrances of ignorant friends, were alike powerless to turn Him from His course. He had set His face as a flint towards the cross and the crown. He knew the work He had come into the world to do. He had a baptism to be baptized, and was straitened until it was accomplished. (Luke 12:50.)
So let it be with all true servants of Christ. Let nothing turn them for a moment out of the narrow way, or make them stop and look back. Let them not heed the ill-natured remarks of enemies. Let them not give way to the well-intentioned but mistaken entreaties of unconverted relations and friends. Let them reply in the words of Nehemiah, "I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down." (Neh. 6:3.) Let them say, "I have taken up the cross, and I will not cast it away."
We learn from these verses one mighty lesson. We learn, who they are that are reckoned the relations of Jesus Christ. They are they who are His disciples, and "do the will of God." Of such the great Head of the Church says, "the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
How much there is in this single expression! What a rich mine of consolation it opens to all true believers! Who can conceive the depth of our Lord's love towards Mary the mother that bore Him, and on whose bosom He had been nursed? Who can imagine the breadth of His love towards His brethren according to the flesh, with whom the tender years of his childhood had been spent? Doubtless no heart ever had within it such deep well-springs of affection as the heart of Christ. Yet even He says, of all who "do the will of God," that each "is his brother, and sister, and mother."
Let all true Christians drink comfort out of these words. Let them know that there is One at least, who knows them, loves them, cares for them, and reckons them as His own family. What though they be poor in this world?
They have no cause to be ashamed, when they remember that they are the brethren and sisters of the Son of God. What though they be persecuted and ill-treated in their own homes because of their religion? They may remember the words of David, and apply them to their own case, "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." (Psalm. 27:10.)
Finally, let all who persecute and ridicule others because of their religion, take warning by these words, and repent. Whom are they persecuting and ridiculing? The relations of Jesus the Son of God! The family of the King of kings and Lord of lords! Surely they would do wisely to hold their peace, and consider well what they are doing. These whom they persecute have a mighty Friend—"Their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause." (Prov. 23:11.)
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