A new family (Mark 3:20-35)
Yes, Jesus is possessed—by a new vision of what it means to live in community and in relationship with God.
To receive these posts by e-mail each Monday, sign up.
For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
With a sweeping gesture to enfold all those inside the house into his new family—the disciples and the crowds pressing in on him—Jesus excludes his biological family standing outside the door. “Who are my mother and my brothers? … Here are my mother and my brothers!” Jesus comes across as hostile, shockingly harsh—almost anti-family.