Text:
“There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
— Mark 3:31–35 (KJV)
🌿 Introduction
One of the hardest struggles for many believers is when their parents—or close family—do not share their faith in Christ. Even more painful is when family not only rejects God’s will but also discourages their children from pursuing it. How should Christians respond? Does honoring our father and mother mean obeying them when they oppose God’s commands?
In Mark 3:31–35, Jesus faced a similar situation with His earthly family. His response teaches us how to prioritize the kingdom of God above natural ties while still walking in love and honor.
📖 1. The Context of Jesus’ Words
• Jesus was in the middle of ministry, teaching the crowd and demonstrating the power of God.
• His mother and brothers arrived, seeking Him, but they were “standing without” (outside), while the true disciples were seated around Him, listening.
• At this point, His natural family had not fully understood His mission (John 7:5 says His brothers did not believe in Him).
• Jesus used the moment to redefine what true family is: not bloodline, but obedience to God’s will.
đź“– 2. Honouring Parents vs. Following God
The Bible clearly commands us to honor our father and mother (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–2). This honor includes respect, care, and gratitude. However, honor does not equal blind obedience when parents contradict God’s word.
• Acts 5:29 — “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
• Luke 14:26 — Jesus said that anyone who places father, mother, or family above Him cannot be His disciple.
Therefore, when parents oppose God’s will, a believer must lovingly but firmly choose obedience to God.
đź“– 3. Redefining Family in Christ
Jesus declared: “Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
This reveals:
1. Spiritual kinship is greater than biological ties. God’s family is defined by faith and obedience, not flesh and blood.
2. God provides new family in Christ. For believers with unsupportive parents, the church community becomes spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters.
3. Obedience is the mark of belonging. Doing the will of God is proof of being part of Christ’s family.
📖 4. How to Handle Parents Who Oppose God’s Will
• Love them deeply – continue to show respect and care, even when you disagree (Romans 12:18).
• Pray for them – intercede that their hearts will turn to Christ (Acts 16:31).
• Draw firm boundaries – respectfully but clearly state your commitment to follow God.
• Find strength in your local Church, your spiritual family – lean on the body of Christ for encouragement and accountability.
• Keep shining the light – let your obedience and godly lifestyle be a testimony that may eventually draw them to salvation (1 Peter 3:1–2).
🌟 Conclusion
Jesus showed us that the ultimate loyalty of a disciple is to God, not to family tradition or parental pressure. To follow Him may sometimes mean standing apart from those closest to us. Yet in that cost, He gives us a greater family—the household of faith—and the eternal reward of pleasing the Father.
If you are in a place where your parents don’t walk in God’s will and discourage you from doing so, take courage: you are not alone. Jesus understands, and He has given you a spiritual family that will walk with you. Choose God’s will above all, and trust that your obedience may one day bring even your earthly family into His kingdom.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 