When Family and Friends Hinder Your Life’s Purpose

Daily Devotional – Friday, January 21, 2022

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”

Mark 6:4 (NKJV)

Family and friends can be our greatest motivators in achieving life goals and purposes.

However, they can also be formidable hindrances. They may do so out of malice or sincere belief that we are on the wrong path.

When Jesus began His ministry, a special group of people was not happy. “But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”” (Mark 3:21). Some verses call these people friends or family of Jesus.

Your Mother and Your Brothers are Outside Seeking You

Those who should have supported Jesus in His mission were now doubting and hindering Him. They knew about His miraculous death, His baptism by John and anointing by the Holy Spirit, but they called Jesus mad.

When they realized they could not reach Jesus to stop Him, His family came up with a different strategy. “Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”” (Mark 3:31-32).

Is this not the Carpenter?

Jesus was embarrassing them by claiming to be the Messiah. Jesus family members feared the criticism from religious teachers. The favour and opinions of human beings mattered to them more than allowing Jesus to accomplish His mission on earth.

His fellow villagers were also not happy with Jesus’ newfound fame and commented:

“Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.” (Mark 6:2-3).

A Prophet is not Without Honor Except in His Own Country

Had Jesus listened to these dissenting and discouraging voices, He would have stopped preaching and healing. Had He allowed his family and friends to have their way, our story would be different today.

Jesus knew that, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4). He expected hostility from His own people and focused on the mission ahead.

Soldier On, Opposition Notwithstanding

The Lord’s experience will not be different from ours. Often, those closest to us will discourage us from accomplishing our purposes in life. While claiming to know us well, they will offer advice on why we are not suited for our callings and vocations.

In our labour for the Lord, our spouses, children, friends, neighbours and those who know us well may form the greatest obstacles even when they mean good. Like Jesus, once we are sure we are on the right path, we should soldier on, opposition notwithstanding.

Mary the Mother of Jesus and His Brothers Wait for the Holy Spirit

Because Jesus refused to be discouraged and diverted from His mission, His family later became pivotal to the gospel mission. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14).

Moreover, Bible scholars assert that the writers of the epistles of James and Jude, respectively, were half-brothers of Jesus. Because Jesus focused on His mission, those who attempted to stop Him later became agents of God’s kingdom.

Expect Opposition

While we should expect the support of family and friends in our plans and projects, we should also expect opposition, rejection and discouragement from the same people. However, we must always pursue the purposes of God in our lives.

Lord Jesus, whenever I face opposition from those closest to me, may Your experience and resolve motivate me to move on.