People, myself included, are so used to hearing Jesus’ words in the
scriptures, that they seem to forget how unusual (even drastic) his
ideas must have seemed to those He was speaking to. Even today, we
really don’t stop to think about the changes in thoughts and actions
that His words urge us to make.
As an example, in Mark 3:32-35, when He is told that His Mother and
His brothers are looking for Him, Jesus’ reply must have caused many to
wonder:
32. And a multitude was sitting around Him, and they said to Him,
“Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.”
33. And answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My
brothers?”
34. And looking about on those who were sitting around Him, He
said, “Behold, My mother and My brothers!
35. “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister
and mother.”
~ The New American Standard Bible
On the surface, what He is saying may sound as though He is promoting
family rebellion. However, that is not at all His intent. He wants us to
love and respect our family members. But at the same time, we are to
listen to God’s promptings, for each of us has a special calling to
fulfill.
This thinking invites a new way of looking at our relationships. It
is like saying that we are not tied to cultures and traditions that
God’s Holy Spirit informs us are no longer acceptable. We are free to
follow a better path – God’s way.
The Resurrection of Jesus should give us a fresh start and the
courage to live, as far as possible, in God’s original intent. We are so
used to mouthing the words of The Lord’s Prayer, that we don’t stop to
really ponder what we are saying. In Matthew 6:10, we are told to pray
that –
10. “Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.”
~ The New American Standard Bible
If we would all start trying to live the Lord’s teachings,
instead of simply reciting pious words, this earth might seem a little
bit more like heaven. And maybe, as a result, we would experience more
of the joy mentioned in the Bible. With God’s help and our care, we can
resurrect a better life than that which went before us.
