Friend, throughout verses one through 40, we read how the Pharisees were hating on Jesus (lol). Jesus continued to heal the sick and perform miracles even on the Sabbath Day. The Pharisees did not agree with this or like it. They began to challenge Jesus with questions, and in verse 14, it is revealed that they began to plot to kill Him due to not being able to accept and explain His authority and power. In verses 22 through 29, Jesus healed a demon possessed man, and the Pharisees had the nerve to say that He was able to do so because He was empowered by Satan. We know Jesus clapped back, right? He asked them if He was empowered by Satan, Satan would be fighting against himself and dividing his own kingdom. Jesus brought clarity to them by saying whoever isn’t with Him opposes Him and anyone who isnt working with Him is working against Him. The Pharisees were obviously working against Jesus and He knew it. Friend, are you working with Jesus or are you opposing Him? 👀
In verse 38, the teachers of the religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus asking for a miraculous sign to prove His authority. In verses 39 and 40, Jesus told them the only sign they would receive was the sign of the prophet Jonah. He elaborated by referencing Jonah being in the belly of the great fish for 3 days and 3 nights; and said He would be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and 3 nights. (This is the first prophecy we see in this book which references Jesus’ future death and resurrection.)
I love verses 46 through 50 as they reference family outside of the bloodline. While Jesus was speaking, His mother and brothers stood outside of the synagogue requesting to speak to Him. His response was, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then He pointed to His disciples and said, “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of My Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Now, Jesus wasn’t dissing His earthly family. He was teaching us that we are brothers and sisters in Christ which makes us family. A lot of us get caught up on being rejected as the “black sheep” of our families. These verses are great to reference during those times. I have people in my life that are not my blood relatives, but I love dearly and treat them as if they are my blood relatives. When you are neglected by your earthly family, know that you still have a family within the body of Christ. It is my prayer that you accept your place within your earthly family as well as your God-given family!
Real Talk with Keve 