Unity: Out of His Mind?
A Few Notes:
Main Text: Mark 3:20-21;31-35 (NLT)
20 One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said…..
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”
33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus lived in a Strong Group Society/Culture:
A person perceives themselves a member of a group and therefore responsible to the group for their personal actions: destiny, careers, development and life in general. The individual person is embedded in the group and is free to do what they feel is right and necessary only if those choices line up in accord with group norms and only if the action is in the groups best interest.
We lives in a Weak Group Society Culture:
Places the individual autonomy, power of choice and action over the needs of the group.
What’s the Big Deal? Jesus defines the Church as his and our Strong Group Society/Culture
Jesus is not contradicting the strong group society’s expectations of his day. Jesus is expanding, redefining, even replacing his strong group with a new one: 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Supporting Texts:
Luke 12:52 From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’
Luke 14:26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life.
Questions:
How does our understanding of a strong group culture affect our reading of Acts 2:42-47
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
How do you react to the idea of a strong group society/culture?
What are the benefits?
What are some fears/concerns?
How does Jesus’ strong group expectations challenge our role and responsibility within Reunion?
