Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ (Mark 3: 31-35)

Many have read into this comment an early signal that Jesus is less concerned with blood relationship, specifically his Jewish origins, than with the chosen relationships of faith.

Matthew and Mark each place this saying at the close of a public debate with the Pharisees. There is even some suggestion that this may have been the first contest between Jesus and "scribes who came down from Jerusalem." (Mark 3: 22) It is possible these scribes (lawyers or religious scholars) had been sent specifically by the Jerusalem authorities to assess Jesus.

The core message of the third chapter of Mark and Matthew 12 is encouragement to give undivided attention to what is truly important. Don't be distracted by Sabbath rules from caring and healing. Don't be distracted by appearances, pay attention to outcomes. Don't be a house divided against itself.

In the midst of this message someone tells Jesus his family is looking for him. There is no indication that Jesus, at the close of this encounter with the scribes and Pharisees, did not embrace his mother and brothers. But Jesus consistently demonstrates a keen sense of timing and priority.

Don't be distracted. Don't be divided. Perceive what is needed now. Attend to what is possible now. Don't miss the opportunity to fulfill God's intention now.