Definition: And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 3:34. It's a really important and fascinating one! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is looking at his disciples and the people around him, and he feels a bit uncomfortable or even a little frustrated. He’s saying, “I notice you’re all here with me – I’m surrounded by you. And I feel…a little uneasy about this.” Let's unpack it further: “And he looked round about on them which sat about him” : This is a really clever way of saying Jesus was observing his followers. “Round about” means looking around, and "they" refers to the people surrounding him – the disciples and everyone else present. “and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” This is the key part! "Behold" is a word meaning "I see" or "I notice." So, Jesus is saying, “Look at me! I’m noticing you.” Then he uses the words "mother" and "brother." These are Old Testament terms for family members – specifically, his mother (Mary) and his brother (Joseph). What does it mean? This verse is often interpreted as a moment of recognition and connection . It shows Jesus recognizing his disciples and feeling a sense of closeness to them. It’s a powerful expression of: His Love: He values their presence, even if he's not thrilled with the situation. His Identity: He isn’t just any man; he’s connected to his family lineage. His Role as Jesus: It suggests that Jesus is still part of this community and feels a sense of belonging. Important Note: It's debated whether this verse is a literal statement about Jesus having a mother or brother. However, it’s generally understood to be an expression of his love and connection with his followers. --- Do you want me to explain any of these aspects in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse over time?