Third Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Mark 3:20-35                             

Mark 3:20-35

It doesn’t take long in our gospel reading this week to realize how unfriendly many are toward Jesus. Even his own family thinks, “he is out of his mind” (v.21). So, what must it be like to face the opposition of those you have come to deliver? Only Jesus knows. Why? Because He is the only one who faces opposition both for His person and His mission. And He is perfect in relation to both.

To be so utterly misunderstood would be too much for us and at some point we would most certainly “cave” and desire to take vengeance. Not Jesus. He is “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Watch Jesus carefully when He is faced with the ire, anger and ignorance of those He came to save. Watch and learn. It’s a real education.

Gracious Father, deliver me from the desire to “strike back” or to vindicate myself. If I must be wronged, let me accept it from Your hand and trust that You know best.

In Jesus’ matchless name,

Amen!