Illusory Follies

Rev. Rayburn preached on Mark 3:31-35 this last Sunday.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “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.”

It’s interesting to note that Christ mentions specifically the “doing of his will” as being what makes a person a member of His spiritual family. He doesn’t mention believing here but doing. It must have made an impact. Both of Jesus’s brothers, probably confused at the time that Jesus told them this, later understood and wrote fairly strong words that put the doctrine of grace into perspective.

James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Jude 3b,4

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Interesting stuff… It’s neat to realize that the particular circumstances that led to the convictions that James and Jude held were probably the rather dramatic event in Mark 3. Yes, it’s inspired, but it somehow feels so much more human when you see these things.