Some believe, some don’t believe, some believe later

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Then Jesus’ mother and his brothers came and stood outside and sent a message to him, asking that he come out and speak with them. (Mark 3.31, Passion Translation)

Seems kind of innocuous: “Your mother and brothers are outside seeking you.” But the reason they were seeking him is given earlier in the chapter:

Then Jesus went home, but once again a large crowd gathered around him, which prevented him from even eating a meal. When his own family heard that he was there, they went out to seize him, for they said, “He’s insane!” (Mark 3.20, 21, Passion Translation)

They wanted to seize him, thinking he was out of his mind! That’s why he said:

Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3.33 – 35, ESV)

The main lesson is that Jesus ignored his mother and brothers in this case because they weren’t part of the team yet. But the hope for the family is that they did come around later. His brother James is explicitly mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15, and he was a key leader in the Jerusalem church (see, for example, Acts 15). Jesus’ mother, Mary, is mentioned in Acts 1. We never know the order in which people will come to follow Jesus. Who will come first, second, etc. In Mark 3, Jesus’ family is not included in his followers, but they were later. As a disciple-maker, I can work only with those God gives me. I sow seed and invite, but God causes people to stick. 

Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. (1 Samuel 10.26, ESV)

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6.37, ESV)

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