The Encounter of a Lifetime

Have you ever had the chance to meet someone famous? I’ve been lucky enough to experience it a few times. Whether it was a musician, comedian, or athlete, each encounter was similar. I stood in a crowded line and waited for my turn. Once I made it to the front of the crowd, the celebrity smiled, asked me my name, thanked me for attending, signed my shirt or poster, and smiled for a photo. Every person that I met was kind enough, but none of them would remember me today. We didn’t become friends. We don’t keep in touch. I’m not invited to outings or get-togethers. But truthfully, I’d be silly to have expected any of that!

We know from Scripture that Jesus drew His fair share of crowds throughout His ministry. We also know that these crowds were looking for something much more than a photo or autograph. The crowds that gathered around Jesus desired to hear Him preach (Luke 6:18) and sought healing (Mark 2:3, Mark 10:47). They often pressed in around Him in a frenzy (Mark 3:9). Some of them desired nothing more than to touch the hem of His robe (Luke 8:43-44, Matthew 14:36).

Scripture also tells us that Jesus spent a lot of time and energy addressing the needs of these crowds. Matthew 14:14, Mark 1:32-34, and Luke 9:11 are just a few of many examples of this throughout the Gospels. These crowds who had the opportunity to encounter Jesus were given healing, hope, peace, and rest. And one time, they were even claimed by Jesus as His family!

In Mark 3, we read that Jesus attracted a crowd once again. They were gathering around a house that Jesus and His disciples were in. Jesus’ family members heard of what was happening and tried to take Him away from the crowds (v. 20-21).

There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:32-35 NLT)

How amazing it must have been to be a part of that crowd! I would bet that as they pressed in to hear Jesus that day, no one thought they’d hear Jesus call them His family. They received so much more than they were expecting!

The good news for you and me is that when we encounter Jesus, when we seek Him, follow Him, and put our faith in Him, that same designation is given to us!

The Apostle Paul declares this in Hebrews 2:11:

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.

And in Ephesians 1:5:

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful for that promise today. As nice as the celebrities I’ve met were, I would choose an encounter with Jesus and an invitation to His family every time!

Thank You, Jesus, for the opportunity to enter relationship with You. We are so thankful that You are not inaccessible and that no one who comes to You is turned away. What a blessing it is that You desire to walk with us and live within us so that we can be called children of God. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.