Jesus claims all followers as His family.  Ina sense, our church family is often a second family for some people.  For a few, it can be their only family.  In Jesus’ day, choosing to follow Him would mean leaving your family roots.  Your Jewish family would not understand or would maybe shun you in extreme cases.

This could happen today but it is much less likely.  The choice of distancing is usually ours.  Becoming a follower sometimes forces these choices as we set aside relationships that are not healthy or conducive to our new life.  It can be a hard choice at times.

As Jesus claims us into this new family, we gain a new sense of hope, love, belonging.  The troubles of life are easier to deal with.  The love seems more genuine.  Many times it feels like we are truly home.  May His presence in our lives and our presence in the lives of His family be strong in our life.

Scripture reference: Mark 3: 20-21 and 31-35