Are you out of your mind?

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Mark 3.

And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21)

Jesus couldn’t openly enter a town. He had to stay on the outskirts, because too many people were coming to be healed (Mark 1:45). He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him when the crowds were crushing in on him (3:9). Jesus and the disciples were so busy they didn’t have time to eat. Which is why his family thought he was out of his mind.

On any given day I wonder if someone is crazy or out of their mind. When the un-helmeted motorcyclist zooms past me on the highway, weaving in and out of traffic, I yell, “You guys are idiots!” I hear how much some people are asking for their houses and conclude, “You’re crazy if you think you’ll get that much.” When I caught my 80-year-old neighbor up on his roof, I asked, “Are you out of your mind?” (He had been banned from climbing ladders years ago.)

Of course, I’m sure some wonder the same thing about me. Driving youth home from a Christian rock event at 3 am, then getting up to preach the next day. Teaching middle school classes. Delivering Angel Tree presents to home in the housing projects. “Is he out of his mind?”

But Jesus? Out of his mind? I suppose one could say that. Especially when he tells us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and forgive each other. Really, Jesus? Maybe your family was right.