Everyone is Equally Welcomed To Hear Jesus Speak

By Mary Vee
Matthew 12, Mark, 3; Luke 8

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

We have been at a home where Jesus is talking to Pharisees. 

He answered a question about evil spirits a moment ago. 

A man came to me and said that Jesus was wanted outside.

I made my way through the crowded home and out the door. Mary and Jesus' brothers stood there. They knew they could come inside to listen to Jesus' teachings. I wasn't sure why they hadn't. 

"We need to speak with him."

"I'll tell him," I said.

I excused myself through the crowd until I reached Jesus. He was talking with some men about another topic. I felt a little awkward interrupting him, and had she not been his mother and his brothers with her I wouldn't have done so. "Master, excuse me. Your mother and brothers are waiting outside. They said they want to speak with you."

"You say my mother and brother are waiting to speak with me?" This was not said in a whisper. "They know where I am. Could their issue that can wait outside be more important than the duty my Father has given to me?

He pointed to the other disciples and me then said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. You see, everyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, is my brother and sister and mother."

 So, he didn't make his way through the crowded home to go outside and speak with his mother and brothers. They, instead were as welcomed as anyone to come inside and hear what Jesus had to teach.

And he did. I will share more of what he taught the next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.