Out Of His Mind (Mark 3:21)

 


 

Saturday, 29 November, 2025


Psalm 69:1-16

2 Kings 25:21-30

Mark 3:20-35


Out Of His Mind (Mark 3:21)


And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”


There is a lot of rivalry between Christian denominations that can be safely ignored. Things like who puts on the best spread at functions (Anglicans, obviously), or who has the richest musical tradition (again, Anglicans). But there is one that does cause me to shuffle uncomfortably in my seat – the accusation of religious stuffiness. We don’t seem to have much time for religious enthusiasm.


There is the benefit that we have this cultural safety-guard in place; we do want to marry zeal to wisdom, after all.


But in today’s second lesson, Jesus has obviously gotten a little too enthusiastic. His family tries to drag him home, claiming he is “out of his mind”.


When it comes to religious zeal of our own, what are we worried about? Would we be accused of being out of our mind, like Jesus? What if we might find ourselves learning more about what it means to have the mind of Christ?


Christ, light of the world and light of our minds: grant us such love for you that we may be unashamed in our enthusiasm for your kingdom.

 

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