Mar 3:31-35 | RWP | e4.org | Standing without ( εξω στηκοντες ). A late present from the perfect εστηκα . Pathetic picture of the mother and brothers standing on the outside of the house thinking that Jesus inside is beside himself and wanting to take him home. They were crowded out. They sent unto him, calling him ( απεστειλαν προς αυτον καλουντες αυτον ). They were unwilling to disclose their errand to take him home (Swete) and so get the crowd to pass word unto Jesus on the inside, "calling him" through others. Some of the MSS. add "sisters" to mother and brothers as seeking Jesus.

‏ Mark 3:31-35

Standing without ( εξω στηκοντες ). A late present from the perfect εστηκα. Pathetic picture of the mother and brothers standing on the outside of the house thinking that Jesus inside is beside himself and wanting to take him home. They were crowded out.

They sent unto him, calling him ( απεστειλαν προς αυτον καλουντες αυτον ). They were unwilling to disclose their errand to take him home (Swete) and so get the crowd to pass word unto Jesus on the inside, "calling him" through others. Some of the MSS. add "sisters" to mother and brothers as seeking Jesus.

Was sitting about him ( εκαθητο περ αυτον ). They sat in a circle ( κυκλω ) around Jesus with the disciples forming a sort of inner circle.

Looking round on them ( περιβλεψαμενος ). Another of Mark's life-like touches. Jesus calls those who do the will of God his mother, brothers, and sisters. This does not prove that the sisters were actually there. The brothers were hostile and that gives point to the tragic words of Jesus. One's heart goes out to Mary who has to go back home without even seeing her wondrous Son. What did it all mean to her at this hour?