They came to take Him away
Mark 3:21 records an interesting comment about Christ’s earthly family that I have overlooked for years. In recent study I noticed at the beginning of his ministry, the crowds thronged him and the newly-called disciples. His family mistook the hectic ministry for mania and “tried to take Him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said” (New Living Translation). The Expositor’s Greek Testament indicates that the chaos from the multitudes and the undisputable, unexplainable miracles left those who knew Jesus convinced of his exhaustion and “excitement bordering on insanity.” While the concern from those who had known him in early life was touching and perhaps only driven by love, the Master was just getting started. How can anyone anointed by the Dove and driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit for boot camp come back with the same mind? He had lost his mind—the old one.
Don’t those who press in for more of God or hunger to minister get the same kind of treatment from their families at times? Bible study,consistent prayer and effective ministry take time away from fellowship, from household tasks and earning money. Family members may not understand. The longing to sit at his feet like Mary can bring repercussions from the Martha’s in our lives. If we think in terms of spiritual laws, we may get chided for being impractical, uninformed, or just out-of-touch with society’s norms.
I feel so much better having studied this scripture this week. I know I’m in company with Jesus when people think I have a few loose screws. I’m not crazy. I’m just listening for the Father’s voice.
You are not crazy at all. 🙂 – I enjoy spending my first moments in the morning in His Word. I always find little ‘nuggets’ had I have previously overlooked.
I’m glad you wrote this. It spoke to my heart today.