Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

When Others Disappoint

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20-21 NIV

Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:3-5 NIV

Imagine Jesus’ disappointment (sadness) when the crowds were proclaiming Him to be a great prophet, some had come to know that He was the long-awaited Messiah, and yet His own family members thought He was nuts! His family members (yes, even His mother!) thought He was mentally off and they decided on a family intervention. He had become an embarrassment to Himself and the family as a whole and now they must ‘take charge’ of Him. This word is the same word translated “arrested” when Jesus was apprehended in the Garden.

Later, His half-brothers were so cynical that they later chided Him into going to Jerusalem to publicly show Himself to the crowds as the One. Jesus replies that His time was yet to come, but their time (to believe) was now! They ignored His plea.

Yes, close family and friends may disappoint us. They may not understand our Lord, His calling on us, or respect our Kingdom ministry. We should not be surprised nor hold it against them. For the last chapter has yet to be written for them. Note what happens to Jesus’ family.

Forty days after the resurrection, on the day of the Ascension when Jesus returned to heaven, we find this description of the gathering of believers. “When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:13-14 NIV

Jesus’ mother and brothers came to believe in Him as their Savior! It seems that often those close to us may not affirm or support our Kingdom work. But don’t write them off! The last chapter has yet to be written for them. Perhaps they too shall come to realize what Jesus’ family came to know. It just may take a little more time. Don’t lose hope! Pray for them and wait for God to move.