Read
And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:21
Reflect
Bill had struggled for most of his life to succeed at anything. He had a lot of talent, but nothing ever seemed to “click.” He graduated high school with decent but not stellar grades. He got into a good college, but got swept up in the college life and saw his grades suffer. From then on, he seemed to be a constant disappointment to his parents, primarily because he kept spending their money on classes he had a hard time attending.
One day, a light bulb went off in Bill’s head: “It’s time I made something of my life – I’m joining the Army.” That day, he went to a recruiter, liked what he heard and signed up to join. Within a week, he had been tested, prepped and had an entry date set.
That night, he called his father. “Dad,” Bill said, “I made a huge decision today that I hope will make you really proud. I’m tired of not doing well and of disappointing you and Mom. So I have joined the United States Army.”
A long pause hung in the air before his father finally spoke. “That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done, Bill. You have to be completely crazy.”
Earlier this week, we talked about how people outside of your sphere may never be happy, but in all honesty, people in your own home may not agree with your faith or the way you live your life. In today’s scripture, Jesus took an incredibly large step of selecting his inner circle with the men who would follow Him for three years – and who would ultimately spread the Gospel around the world. He was also followed by large crowds gathering and even disrupting mealtime.
His family’s response? “Jesus is out of His mind.” I would doubt that Mary was in the majority in that sentiment, but clearly, most of Jesus’ family didn’t grasp the message He was teaching. So, again, when even our family looks at us, shakes their heads and says, “I don’t get it,” we’re in good company. Jesus was there too.
Today, pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen your faith and that He will give you the courage to live it out, even if people in your own family don’t understand you. One of your best witnesses will be to live a consistent example of Christian faith, showing them love and mercy even when they are less than kind.
Reflection copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
