February 18 | Mark 3:31-35
- Kim Starr
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
God's Will
By Kim Starr
Do your feelings get hurt? I almost put the word “easily” at the end of that sentence and then decided it didn’t matter if your feelings got hurt easily or not. What matters is that you were hurt. Period.
Sometimes it isn’t even you who was hurt and you are feeling bad on behalf of someone else. This happens to me frequently with people telling me how bad they feel for me and I hadn’t even given the situation a thought. Then that makes me wonder if I should have paid closer attention to what happened.
The reading for today is one of those situations where I feel empathy for Jesus’ mother and his brothers. They are trying to find him and when someone lets Jesus know, his response is, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” (v. 33) Had I been his family members, his words would have cut me to the quick and hurt me beyond measure.
However, Jesus uses the moment to teach us something very important. What he said was not meant to hurt Mary and his brothers; rather, he was trying to show everyone around him that anyone who “does God’s will” (v.35) is a member of God’s family.
For God’s will to be done, his will has to be known, understood, and followed. It also means that we have to execute God’s will with appropriate behavior. Jesus modeled a life lived in perfect conformity with God’s will. Even so, that doesn’t mean that life always takes the easy course. Remember how, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)? God’s will was for Jesus to die to save us from our sins so that we could be saved. His will to save extends to all people.
PRAYER
Oh, God, please enlighten us so that we seek your will by guidance through scriptures, prayer, the counsel of other Christians, and a wise assessment of the options before us. Then give us the ability to carry out your will to completion. Send your Holy Spirit to help us accomplish your will. Help us to be mindful of Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KIM STARR
I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.
Kim, I too, feel compassion for Jesus' family. But your explanation makes sense. Knowing I am a part of the family of God gives courage to move forward through life's little dings. He has a plan for us as a community.
Thank you Kim.