Mark 3:31
Verse
Context
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
30Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”31Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, 32and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.”
Sermons
Carter Conlon
James Blaine Chapman
John R. Rice
Harris Franklin RallSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
His brethren and his mother - Or rather, his mother and his brethren. This is the arrangement of the best and most ancient MSS.; and this clause, και αἱ αδελφαι σου, and thy sisters, Mar 3:32, should be Added, on the authority of ADEFGMSUV, fifty-five others, some editions, the margin of the later Syriac, Slavonic, Gothic, and all the Itala except four. Griesbach has received this reading into the text. Calling him - This clause is wanting in one copy of the Itala. The Codex Alexandrinus has ζητουντες αυτον, seeking him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he looked round about on them which sat about him,.... To find out his disciples among them, and point them out particularly, by stretching forth his hand towards them: and said, behold my mother and my brethren: not in a natural, but in a spiritual sense; his mother, because, in regeneration, he was formed in them; his brethren, because, by adoption, his God was their God, his Father their Father; See Gill on Mat 12:49.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The disrespect which Christ's kindred, according to the flesh, showed to him, when he was preaching (and they knew very well that he was then in his element); they not only stood without, having no desire to come in, and hear him, but they sent in a message to call him out to them (Mar 3:31, Mar 3:32), as if he must leave his work, to hearken to their impertinences; it is probable that they had no business with him, only sent for him on purpose to oblige him to break off, lest he should kill himself. He knew how far his strength would go, and preferred the salvation of souls before his own life, and soon after made it to appear with a witness; it was therefore an idle thing for them, under pretence of his sparing himself, to interrupt him; and it was worse, if really they had business with him, when they knew he preferred his business, as a Saviour, so much before any other business. 2. The respect which Christ showed to his spiritual kindred upon this occasion. Now, as at other times, he put a comparative neglect upon his mother, which seemed purposely designed to obviate the prevent the extravagant respect which men in aftertimes would be apt to pay her. Our respect ought to be guided and governed by Christ's; now the virgin Mary, or Christ's mother, is not equalled with, but postponed to, ordinary believers, on whom Christ here puts a superlative honour. He looked upon those that at about him, and pronounced those of them that not only heard, but did, the will of God, to be to him as his brother, and sister, and mother; as much esteemed, loved, and cared for, as his nearest relations, Mar 3:33-35. This is a good reason why we should honour those that fear the Lord, and choose them for our people; why we should be not hearers of the word only, but doers of the work, that we may share with the saints in this honour, Surely it is good to be akin to those who are thus nearly allied to Christ, and to have fellowship with those that have fellowship with Christ; and woe to those that hate and persecute Christ's kindred, that are his bone and his flesh, every one resembling the children of a king (see Jdg 8:18, Jdg 8:19); for he will with jealously plead their cause, and avenge their blood.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:31-35 Mark resumes from 3:20-21. • Your mother and your brothers: Jesus’ brothers are commonly understood to have been children born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth (see also 6:3; Matt 1:25; 12:46; John 19:26-27); some interpreters instead believe that they were either Joseph’s children by an earlier marriage or Jesus’ cousins, due to the Roman Catholic belief that Mary was perpetually a virgin.
Mark 3:31
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
30Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”31Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, 32and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Becoming Familiar With the Presence of God
By Carter Conlon4.1K52:20Presence of GodMAT 10:37MAT 12:50MRK 3:31LUK 8:21JHN 14:15ROM 12:21JN 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He encourages the audience to make the decision to follow Christ and assures them that it will be the best decision they ever make. The preacher also highlights the violent nature of the cross, explaining that it represents the passion of God to save humanity. He emphasizes that the message of the cross should not be watered down or eliminated, as it is the only way to salvation. The sermon concludes with a passage from Mark 3:31, where Jesus declares that those who do the will of God are considered his family.
Christ's Unfailing Gentleness and Power
By James Blaine Chapman0PSA 147:3ISA 42:1MAT 12:18MAT 12:38MRK 3:1MRK 3:31LUK 11:14ROM 15:12HEB 11:6James Blaine Chapman preaches on the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah regarding Jesus, emphasizing how Jesus faced opposition and persecution with unwavering patience and gentleness, refusing to be drawn into useless arguments. Despite relentless attacks and false accusations, Jesus continued His works of mercy and healing, demonstrating compassion and love even to the weakest and most sinful. Chapman highlights Jesus' ability to restore and uplift those who are broken and struggling, assuring that in His name, all, including the Gentiles, can find trust and salvation.
A Sermon From a Catholic Bible
By John R. Rice0MRK 3:31MRK 7:5LUK 1:30JHN 3:16JHN 6:50GAL 2:111TI 2:51TI 3:1HEB 10:10John R. Rice preaches about the importance of being born again and trusting in Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and men, emphasizing the need for personal salvation through faith in Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the teachings of the Catholic Bible regarding the authority of the Word of God, the virgin birth of Christ, the sinlessness of Mary, the infallibility of the Pope, the role of priests in marrying, and the sacrifice of the mass. Rice encourages all, regardless of denomination, to trust in Jesus alone for salvation, as He is the one who paid the price for sin and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Foes and Conflicts
By Harris Franklin Rall0MAT 10:34MAT 12:22MRK 2:23MRK 3:31MRK 7:8LUK 4:16Harris Franklin Rall delves into the paradoxes in Jesus' life, where despite his message of love and goodwill, he faced conflicts that deepened until his death. These conflicts stemmed from his different approach to religion, focusing on inner spirit and service rather than outward forms and rules. Jesus' teachings clashed with the Pharisees' legalism and hypocrisy, leading to misunderstandings, opposition, and ultimately his crucifixion. His call for supreme allegiance and willingness to break earthly ties for the sake of the kingdom of God is highlighted in his interactions with family and friends.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
His brethren and his mother - Or rather, his mother and his brethren. This is the arrangement of the best and most ancient MSS.; and this clause, και αἱ αδελφαι σου, and thy sisters, Mar 3:32, should be Added, on the authority of ADEFGMSUV, fifty-five others, some editions, the margin of the later Syriac, Slavonic, Gothic, and all the Itala except four. Griesbach has received this reading into the text. Calling him - This clause is wanting in one copy of the Itala. The Codex Alexandrinus has ζητουντες αυτον, seeking him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he looked round about on them which sat about him,.... To find out his disciples among them, and point them out particularly, by stretching forth his hand towards them: and said, behold my mother and my brethren: not in a natural, but in a spiritual sense; his mother, because, in regeneration, he was formed in them; his brethren, because, by adoption, his God was their God, his Father their Father; See Gill on Mat 12:49.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The disrespect which Christ's kindred, according to the flesh, showed to him, when he was preaching (and they knew very well that he was then in his element); they not only stood without, having no desire to come in, and hear him, but they sent in a message to call him out to them (Mar 3:31, Mar 3:32), as if he must leave his work, to hearken to their impertinences; it is probable that they had no business with him, only sent for him on purpose to oblige him to break off, lest he should kill himself. He knew how far his strength would go, and preferred the salvation of souls before his own life, and soon after made it to appear with a witness; it was therefore an idle thing for them, under pretence of his sparing himself, to interrupt him; and it was worse, if really they had business with him, when they knew he preferred his business, as a Saviour, so much before any other business. 2. The respect which Christ showed to his spiritual kindred upon this occasion. Now, as at other times, he put a comparative neglect upon his mother, which seemed purposely designed to obviate the prevent the extravagant respect which men in aftertimes would be apt to pay her. Our respect ought to be guided and governed by Christ's; now the virgin Mary, or Christ's mother, is not equalled with, but postponed to, ordinary believers, on whom Christ here puts a superlative honour. He looked upon those that at about him, and pronounced those of them that not only heard, but did, the will of God, to be to him as his brother, and sister, and mother; as much esteemed, loved, and cared for, as his nearest relations, Mar 3:33-35. This is a good reason why we should honour those that fear the Lord, and choose them for our people; why we should be not hearers of the word only, but doers of the work, that we may share with the saints in this honour, Surely it is good to be akin to those who are thus nearly allied to Christ, and to have fellowship with those that have fellowship with Christ; and woe to those that hate and persecute Christ's kindred, that are his bone and his flesh, every one resembling the children of a king (see Jdg 8:18, Jdg 8:19); for he will with jealously plead their cause, and avenge their blood.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:31-35 Mark resumes from 3:20-21. • Your mother and your brothers: Jesus’ brothers are commonly understood to have been children born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth (see also 6:3; Matt 1:25; 12:46; John 19:26-27); some interpreters instead believe that they were either Joseph’s children by an earlier marriage or Jesus’ cousins, due to the Roman Catholic belief that Mary was perpetually a virgin.