Friday, June 4, 2021

Blood That Is Thicker Than Blood

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson

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)

Family... Most of us have families that we are close to. But, many do not. Many have been abused or neglected by their families. Others have lost them to death. We may not have birth families to celebrate with; to grieve with; to live and walk with; but, we can still have a family. 

I have known too many people who have been judged because they have chosen for their own physical, spiritual, or mental health that they must distance themselves from their families of birth. There is a prevailing sense that those of the same "blood;" the same family, must support one another no matter what. Unfortunately, it cannot always be so. When one family member endangers you or others by their words or actions those actions should not be supported. Sometimes family members and friends will have to walk away for the sake of everyone involved. 

The Good News is that there is a family that will support you. We have a Father who does all things for the good of those who love him. There is indeed a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you. Because he was willing to die for us, we are willing to follow Him, doing our Father's will. We can say "Our Father" because through Jesus we have been made children of God. We have been adopted into his family.

Jesus was not disavowing his mother or his brothers when he asked and answered the question. "Who is my mother, or my brethren?" He loved them. He loved his mother; for, even as he was suffering on the cross he appointed John to look after Mary. Jesus was making the point that all who believe and follow are his family. Thus, we have the Church; the family of God.

There is the blood that is thicker than blood. It binds us together, forever. It is the blood of Christ shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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