Doubting the Work of Jesus
Brethren, Jesus is the perfect revelation of God, the good news and the bringer of Good News, and the long-awaited Messiah who was to come. When Jesus came, he taught with authority, cured the sick, casted out demons and did many miracles. This was an indication of the arrival of the kingdom of God. But what was the response to Him? Some people, of course, listened to Him attentively with faith and glorious astonishment at His words and actions. They could see His divinity shine through and knew He was the Son of God, the Savior of the World. But today's Gospel reveals that others, even some who were His own relatives, thought He was “Out of His mind!” Very interesting and very revealing for our own faith journey.
Why would Jesus' relatives be so upset with him when he began his public ministry? On one occasion Jesus remarked that a man's enemies will be the members of his own household (Matthew 10:36). The Gospel of Mark records the reaction of Jesus' relatives when he went home: they came to seize him. They, no doubt, thought that Jesus must have gone mad or become a religious fanatic. How could a good homeboy from Nazareth leave his carpentry trade and go off to become a traveling preacher? To their way of thinking, Jesus had thrown away the security and safety of a quiet and respectable life close to his family and relatives.
Jesus probably expected to meet opposition from the highest religious authorities in Jerusalem. For him to meet opposition from his own relatives must have been even harder. When we choose to be disciples of the Lord Jesus and to follow his will for our lives, we can expect to meet opposition from those who are opposed to the Gospel message and Christian way of life. But the hardest opposition may actually come from someone close to us, a family member or close friend who doesn't want us to take the Gospel message too seriously. Later we shall see the new family of Jesus, those who listen to God's word and act on it. Do we belong to the new family of Jesus, or you are still opposing Jesus?
Jesus was human just like us and had the same human needs that we do, but here we see how he was ready to give up everything. His family members thought he was crazy. But this was God’s answer to man’s need. God gives us everything. Sometimes there are so many demands in our lives that it seems like following Christ is crazy. Yet, as his disciples, we willingly follow his example and give everything we have. Jesus met opposition - whether from family, friend, or foe - with grace and determination to fulfill his Father's will. Are you ready to obey and follow the Lord Jesus even if others oppose your doing so? Are you able to show full Commitment to God's Work and will in your life as Jesus did?
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus, may I always put you first and find joy in doing your will. May your love and charity grow in me, especially in the face of opposition and adversity. Amen
Be blessed.
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