The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:31-35

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The mother and the brethren of Jesus.

The annoyance and hindrance of a moment are turned to eternal gain to the cause of truth.

I. FAMILY INFLUENCES MAY INJURE SPIRITUAL USEFULNESS. They are powerful either way. They operate subtly and constantly. A tendency to narrowness in the family tie, which requires to be checked. Much of this influence which is adverse to Christian life is unconsciously so. Yet the intensest forms of hatred to truth and goodness are exhibited within the family relation. Hence the necessity for clear forcible realization of the distinction between lower and higher obligations. The child of God will have recourse to constant prayer for help and guidance, and for the conversion of relatives.

II. THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE NATURAL MUST YIELD TO THE SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP. This is so whenever they conflict, or when, both being of Divine obligation, the later is manifestly more immediately impressed upon the conscience, and more evidently calculated for the good of men and the glory of God.

III. THE NEAREST AND ONLY PERMANENT RELATION TO CHRIST IS SPIRITUAL NATURAL.

1. An invitation to all.

2. An encouragement and inspiration to real disciples.

3. A forecast of the communion of saints.—M.

More for Mark 3:31-35

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:1-35EXPOSITION This chapter begins with the record of another case of healing on the sabbath day; and it closes with the notice of a combination of the Pharisees with the Herodians to bring about the destruction of the Savi…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:7-35Retirement. In the calm and successful prosecution of his work, Jesus has excited various feelings in the minds of the different classes around him. He has wrought many miracles—all of them miracles of mercy; almost all…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Mark 3:31-35It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Family of ChristTHE FAMILY OF CHRIST. Here is, 1. The disrespect which Christ's kindred, according to the flesh, showed to him, when he was preaching (and they knew very well that he was then in his element); they not only stood withou…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:31-35Kinship to Jesus. I. FIRST THAT WHICH IS NATURAL, AFTERWARDS THAT WHICH IS SPIRITUAL. This is one order. Our spiritual being is built up on a natural basis. Slowly the bud of the higher being unfolds from the plant of e…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:31-35Parallel passages: Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21.— The real relationship. I. NO SLIGHT INTENDED. The crowd that sat around prevented his relatives reaching him; they therefore sent a message, to which his reply cannot…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:31-35Kindred of Christ. The feeling with regard to Christ had, by this time, become extremely strong. On the one hand, the people generally were deeply interested in his teaching, were eager spectators of his mighty works, a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 3:31-33Our Lord's brethren and his mother had now arrived to look after him. He was in the house teaching; but the crowd was so great that they could not approach him. The multitude filled not only the room, but the courtyard…Joseph S. Exell and contributors